President’s Fall Message: Walking Together, Growing Together

People often ask me, as President, “What do you love most about your job?” It depends on the day, but the honest answer is simple—it’s the people.

This past week, elementary students reminded me why. During a conversation about leadership, they described leaders as people who care, who help others, and who walk alongside them. Amen! They captured beautifully the spirit of the people who make our schools what they are.

I see that care in teachers who inspire, staff who encourage, and school leaders who listen and connect. I see it in pastors who join students on the playground, visit classrooms, and share in the daily life of our schools. I see it in families who entrust us with their children and support our schools with their gifts and passions. You’ll see the impact of some of these people in the Fall News stories celebrating our communities and welcoming new faces in leadership. Walking alongside students is our shared responsibility as a school system. From preschool through grade 12, we want each student to be known, challenged, and supported as they grow in faith and discover who God is calling them to be.

I want to note two features that highlight how we are growing together in this shared mission.

The Crusader Way captures the values that connect us across our schools. Our 2026 Cathedral commencement speaker, Sister Mary Jo Sobieck, a 1987 alum, reminded graduates that being a Crusader means to be “marked by the Cross.” These shared values help us live that identity through everyday choices in classrooms, relationships, and service. You can read more about that here. 

Our system-wide Cognia Accreditation story celebrates recognition of the educational excellence we provide across our schools. It also highlights our commitment to building on that strong foundation through reflection, collaboration, and continuous improvement throughout each student’s journey. 

I invite you to read all the system and individual school updates to see more examples of how we live our mission. Behind each story are people willing to keep learning, give generously, and help others grow. I am grateful to everyone who answers that call. Thank you for walking alongside our students—and one another—with faith, purpose, and love.

Yours,
David Fremo, Ed.D.