Meet the seven new school leaders who plan to focus on faith, family values, along with strong academics

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Jessica Miano August 22, 2024

Seven new educators will assume roles as principals and presidents across the Archdiocese of Newark for the 2024-25 school year. Barbara Dolan, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, welcomed the new administrators at the Leaders Administrative Conference held on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at the St. John Paul II Youth Retreat Center in Kearny. The new leaders told Jersey Catholic that they are committed to enhancing Catholic education by implementing initiatives centered on family values, cultural enrichment, faith-based learning, and addressing students’ diverse needs.

D’Avino will listen to student needs at Mount St. Dominic Academy in Caldwell. Karen D’Avino plans to put student needs first. (Photo courtesy Karen D’Avino) Dr. Karen D’Avino, the new principal of Mount St. Dominic Academy, has a strong background in innovative education. Her previous work reflects a commitment to addressing the specific needs of each school community. She believes that understanding the needs of the students and staff at Mount St. Dominic Academy will be crucial to her success.“The most important thing is to fully understand what the needs are before creating an action plan,” D’Avino said. She is eager to build upon existing programs, particularly in social justice, STEM, and service to the community. D’Avino brings over 30 years of educational leadership to the Mount. She is focused on inquiry-based learning and innovative practices in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. She served as superintendent of schools for Vernon from 2018 to 2022 and Barnegat from 2011 to 2018, with earlier roles as principal, vice principal, and superintendent in schools across New Jersey. After retiring from public education, she became an educational consultant, most recently serving as interim school administrator in Mahwah. Dr. D’Avino holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s in educational administration from New Jersey City University, and a bachelor’s in Music Education from Montclair State University.