After 47 years in Catholic education, the superintendent of schools in the Archdiocese of St. Louis said Wednesday he will step down from his position in June.
George Henry, 69, has been superintendent since 1995, when he became the first lay person to hold that position in the archdiocese. Born and reared in St. Louis, Henry also was the first lay principal of a Catholic elementary school in the archdiocese, heading up Sacred Heart Elementary in Crystal City and Bishop Healy Elementary in St. Louis. Before becoming superintendent, Henry was associate superintendent of Catholic elementary schools for 17 years.
He said that with a strong staff in the education office, the timing was right to transition to new leadership. The new superintendent will see through such initiatives already in the works, such as using more scholarships to fill seats in parish schools with declining enrollment.
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“We’ve always had challenges, and we’ll continue to have new ones,” he said. “But the challenges we face, by and large we have our arms around those challenges, and we have a pretty good understanding of those issues and what the solutions are.”
Archbishop Robert Carlson said in a statement that he was grateful to Henry for his many years of service.
“With Catholic education as my top priority, it is essential that we find someone with an equal passion for Catholic education that will embrace the opportunities in our community and lead with the same enthusiasm,” he said.
Sister Karl Mary Winkelmann, president of Trinity Catholic High School in north St. Louis County, has known Henry for more than 40 years. If not for his leadership and support, the school may have closed because of enrollment and financial challenges a few years after it opened, she said.
“He is a tireless, passionate advocate for Catholic education,” she said. “His leadership will have a lasting impact.”
Tim Dilg, principal at St. John Vianney High in Kirkwood, said he always felts comfortable calling Henry’s office on both big and small issues.
“He’s always worked tirelessly to motivate us as principals,” he said.
A search committee will be formed immediately with the intention of finding a new superintendent before Henry’s departure on June 30.
