New Principal of St. Joseph School is Named

Father Tom Bourque, TOR, Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Dr. Jennifer Bigelow, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Arlington, announced today the appointment of Mrs. Denise Rutledge as principal of Saint Joseph School. She will begin her new ministry on July 2, 2018.
 
“Mrs. Rutledge brings with her school-wide experience, joy, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to Catholic education,” said Father Tom. “She is well respected in the Diocese, active in her parish, and has been a faith-filled Catholic educator and leader at St. Timothy Catholic School and in the Diocese for twenty years. I look forward to working with Denise in her new ministry as principal at Saint Joseph School.”
 
Mrs. Rutledge began her career in Catholic Education as an elementary school teacher at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic School in Clifton, VA. Since 1998 she has ministered as a Catholic educator at St. Timothy Catholic School as a teacher, Dean of Academics, and Assistant Principal. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Villanova University (PA), earned the degree of Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law (FL), and a M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision (Catholic Leadership) from Marymount University (VA).
 
As the SJS Principal Search Committee shared in their recommendation of Mrs. Rutledge as the new principal, her accomplishments as a Catholic educator and leader include: commitment to the Gospel of Joy; directing strategic planning efforts aimed at developing a mission-driven vision for the school community; collaborating with faculty to enhance teaching and learning by emphasizing the nurturing of the Catholic faith and development of 21st century skills; and enriching the spiritual life of the school community through an increased emphasis on faith development for all students, teachers, and families.
 
Father Tom and Dr. Bigelow extend their gratitude to the members of the SJS Principal Search Committee. The faith community of St. Joseph Catholic Church looks forward to welcoming Mrs. Rutledge. Peace and good!