Honoring our Retirees: A Lasting Impact Across CCS
Summer 2026 CCS Newsletter
Teachers and staff who devote their careers to Catholic education leave a lasting mark on their schools and communities. Through years of service, they guide students, support families, mentor colleagues, and help shape the traditions and culture that make each school unique.
Catholic Community Schools has been blessed by the dedication, compassion, and leadership of educators and staff who have faithfully served our students for many years. As they begin a well-earned retirement, we pause to celebrate their countless contributions and thank them for the difference they have made. Their legacy will live on in the students they inspired, the colleagues they supported, and the communities they helped strengthen.
St. Francis Xavier School
Fr. Ron
For the past 44 years, Fr. Ron has been a steadfast supporter and faithful advocate for Catholic Community Schools. His commitment to Catholic education has touched generations of students, families, teachers, and leaders through his service to St. Joseph in Waite Park (now All Saints Academy), St. Katharine Drexel, and most recently, St. Francis Xavier School.
Fr. Ron has faithfully served as Chairman of the CCS Board of Directors, helping guide and strengthen our school system through years of growth, change, and opportunity.
While his daily presence will be greatly missed, the legacy Fr. Ron has left within Catholic Community Schools will continue for years to come. We are deeply grateful for his decades of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to our mission. May God continue to bless Fr. Ron as he begins this next chapter, knowing the impact of his work will live on in the lives of so many.
Kelly Nielson
Kelly has dedicated 29 years to education, including 22 years at St. Francis Xavier School. Throughout her career, she has taught nearly every grade level, most recently serving as the physical education teacher. Kelly will be remembered for her incredible organization, enthusiasm, and boundless energy, all of which were evident in her teaching each day. Most importantly, she will be remembered for the genuine love and care she showed to students and staff alike, leaving a lasting impact on the SFX community.
Carolyn Yaggie-Heinen
For 15 years, Carolyn shared her gifts as the music teacher at St. Francis Xavier School. Through music, Carolyn helped students grow in their faith and develop a love for God that will remain with them for years to come. Her dedication to Catholic education and faith-filled music created joyful memories and meaningful experiences that have become part of the heart of the SFX community.
St. Katharine Drexel School
Sheri Rutar
After a distinguished 33-year career with the St. Cloud Area School District at Clearview Elementary School, Sheri Rutar joined St. Katharine Drexel three years ago, coming out of retirement to share her experience, leadership, and passion for education with our school community. During her time at SKD, Sheri played a vital role in strengthening the culture of the school, fostering positive relationships, supporting academic excellence, and helping position the school for continued success. Her wisdom, compassion, and dedication have made a lasting impact on our students, staff, and families, and we are deeply grateful for the gifts she has shared with us. As Sheri begins her second retirement, we thank her for her extraordinary service and wish her many joyful days ahead spent with family, friends, and on the golf course.
Terri Weber
Terri faithfully served the students of St. Katharine Drexel School for the past five years as a kindergarten teacher. Terri will be remembered for always going the extra mile for her students and ensuring that every child felt valued, appreciated, and cared for. Her kindness, dedication, and nurturing spirit have made a lasting difference in the lives of her students and families.
Patti Clymer
During her three years at St. Katharine Drexel School, Patti served as both a fourth-grade teacher and academic coach. Patti will be remembered for her willingness to help anyone at any time and for being a tireless advocate for children. Her compassion, commitment, and dedication to supporting student success have left a meaningful impact on the school community.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School
Sandie Kalla
Sandie has faithfully served St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School for 34 years, including 33 years as the school secretary. As the welcoming face of the school, Sandie has greeted countless students, families, and visitors with kindness and care. Beyond her visible role in the office, she has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support teachers, care for students, and ensure the school operated smoothly each day. Sandie’s dedication, compassion, and commitment have made her an invaluable part of the SEAS community for more than three decades.
Saint Joseph Catholic School
Susan Huls
Susan has faithfully served Saint Joseph Catholic School for 35 years as a fifth-grade teacher. Susan will be remembered for her dedication to preparing students for middle school while helping them grow in independence and confidence. She has also shared her faith in countless ways through organizing charitable bake sales, supporting school Masses through music, leading Deep Portage experiences, and helping with the Christmas program each year. Susan’s commitment, generosity, and willingness to serve wherever needed have left a lasting legacy within the school community.
Joanne Schneider
Joanne has dedicated 31 years to Saint Joseph Catholic School and with her most recent role teaching first grade. Joanne will be remembered for her bubbly personality, welcoming presence, and excitement for teaching. Her joyful spirit and love for her students have created a warm and positive classroom environment that has impacted generations of children and families.
Teresa Schumacher
Teresa served Saint Joseph Catholic School for four years as a second-grade teacher. Teresa will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and her ability to make learning fun for students each day. Joining the school during a challenging mid-year transition, Teresa stepped in with determination, compassion, and positivity, helping students grow academically and personally while creating a joyful classroom environment.
Cathedral School
Cindy Sieling
Cindy Sieling has spent 33 years at Cathedral – exactly half her life! – serving as Registrar and providing a steady foundation of technical and operational support behind the scenes. From report cards and substitute teachers to course registration and master scheduling, Cindy handled countless details with remarkable skill, dedication, and care. She brought both generosity and faith to her work, building lasting relationships along the way. Every student, parent, and educator at Cathedral has benefited from Cindy’s steady presence and commitment to keeping the school running smoothly. Congratulations, Cindy, on an impactful and extraordinary Cathedral career!
Deacon Jim Trout
For 23 years, Deacon Jim Trout has guided Cathedral students through faith, learning, and discovery. As Theology teacher, campus minister, deacon, and Engineering teacher, he has combined his passions for ministry, mentorship, and hands-on learning in ways that have deeply impacted students’ lives. Deacon Jim built Cathedral’s Applied Engineering program from the ground up, creating opportunities for students to problem solve, create, and grow through real-world experience. Through every role, he has brought a grounded, relational, and deeply faithful presence to our community. Thank you, Deacon Jim, for the wisdom, care, and opportunities you have shared with Cathedral students over the years.
Kathy Crispo
Kathy has been a part of Catholic Community Schools for a total of 29 years, with 21.5 years at Cathedral and 7.5 at St. Francis Xavier. Her journey began as a business teacher and Director of Technology, continued as principal at St. Francis Xavier Elementary, parent to Cathedral graduates, and ultimately led her back as principal at Cathedral. Kathy’s grounded approach and decisive energy helped guide Cathedral into a new chapter marked by resilience and renewal. Under her leadership, the community navigated the return to in-person learning, celebrated the completion of the North building, and successfully expanded to include grades 6–8, all while rebuilding the traditions and connections that make Cathedral feel like home.
Kathy, you have been our rock. Thank you for the strength, care, and leadership you have given so generously.
James Lalley
For the last 18 years James has served Cathedral in a variety of roles, from choir director, to Dean of Students, and then Assistant Principal. Throughout each role his energy, positivity, and humor have lifted up the people around him. Over the years, we have watched him grow into a thoughtful and trusted leader, and we are excited for his next chapter as Principal of Faithful Shepherd Catholic School in Eagan, Minnesota. We are deeply grateful for James’s leadership and the joy he brought to our community.
