Presidential Search 2025
Pius XI Catholic High School is entering an important new chapter as the Board of Directors begins the search for the school’s next President. Following seven years of dedicated leadership, President Jack Herbert has announced that he will retire in June 2026. With the foundation of a strong strategic plan, a committed leadership team, and a vibrant school community, the Board is committed to identifying a new leader who will uphold our mission, guide us with faith and vision, and carry Pius XI into its second century.
A Message from President Jack Herbert
August 31, 2025
Dear Pius XI Community,
For the past seven years, I have had the privilege of serving Pius XI Catholic High School as President. During that time, I’ve come to look forward to two annual milestones. The first is commencement, where I have the honor of shaking the hands of our graduates as they receive their hard-earned diploma. I’m filled with pride knowing these young people have worked hard to realize their unique potential, as well as excitement for their future and the fact that they are joining a strong alumni community that continually makes us proud. The second is the first few days of the new school year, when the building is filled with a renewed energy and our students and staff are ready to learn and grow together in faith and knowledge.
With the new school year off and running, I wanted to share some important news. This academic year will be my last at Pius XI. I will retire in June 2026, having been blessed by being a member of this wonderful community. I shared this decision with the Pius XI Board of Directors earlier this year.
During my tenure at Pius XI, we have accomplished a lot together, including outlining our strategic plan—Thriving: Now, Tomorrow, Forever—that was shared with our community in May. This plan provides the road map for ensuring the school is well-positioned to continue serving the students and families of Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin as we march towards our 100th anniversary in 2029. In my role, I have had the opportunity to build quality relationships with so many community members, including our students, their families, alumni, donors, volunteers, community partners, and elementary and middle school leaders. I am grateful for your engagement, as well as your belief in and support of our important mission. I would be remiss if I didn’t specifically acknowledge my gratitude to the leadership team here at Pius XI. It has been a pleasure to work alongside this group of committed and caring professionals who lead with our students’ best interests and our five core values—excellence, integrity, inclusion, service and community—always at the forefront of their decisions. My successor will be well positioned from day one with this leadership team at the helm.
The Board of Directors is working diligently on the process to identify the next President of Pius XI Catholic High School. Our community will be kept up-to-date as the process unfolds over the course of the next few months. May the Holy Spirit guide all involved in this process and bring forth the best leader to help shepherd Pius XI into its second century.
As the new school year begins, I invite you to join me in prayer asking that God provide wisdom, strength, and guidance for our students and teachers, as well as protection, a positive learning environment and supportive community for all in our care. We are grateful to God for providing this fresh start, full of promise and potential that offers the opportunity for each of us—young and old—to learn and grow together.
Sincerely,
Jack Herbert
President
Pius XI Catholic High School exists to prepare a diverse community of students to achieve their unique and highest potential.
MILESTONE UPDATES
October 22, 2025
October 22, 2025: The Search Committee met on October 16, 2025, to reconvene on outreach and recruiting efforts, reviewing the list of applicants to date. The group also reviewed the President Job Model, a proprietary tool that will be used in assessing applicants. All applicants are being screened for alignment with the qualifications prioritized by the committee and those with the strongest compatibility are being invited to continue in the process.
September 30, 2025
The Search Committee met on September 22, 2025, to finalize the Job Description and Qualifications (JDQ) document, discuss potential candidates for recruiting purposes, and review the search process timeline and communications plan. Committee members agreed upon recruitment outreach next steps.
TIMELINE
Pius XI Catholic High School will engage in a thoughtful and comprehensive search over the course of the 2025-26 academic year, with the following anticipated timeline:
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September 2025: Job Description and Qualifications (JDQ) document is updated and vetted
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September 22, 2025: Search Committee commences
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September - October 2025: JDQ is posted; active recruiting underway
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October - November 2025: Applicant screenings and initial interviews
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November 2025: Invitations to candidates for campus visits and stakeholder interviews, including students, parents, faculty and staff, alumni and donors, and the full Board of Directors
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December 2025: Search Committee recommendation to Board of Directors and Archbishop Grob for approval
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January/February 2026: Appointment of new president
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July 1, 2026: New President assumes role
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Installation and celebration, including Mass
Date TBD
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SEARCH COMMITTEE
COMMITEE MEMBERS
Michael Frohna ‘84, Search Committee Chair, Former Board Chair
Fr. Philip Bogacki ‘99, Board Member
LaKendra Brown, Assistant Principal
Sam Coleman, P.h.D., Board Member
Ed Foy, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Matt Miler, Board Member
Michelle Pape, Vice President of Advancement
Jim Schneider ‘55, Board Member
Joan Shafer ‘71, Board Chair, Ex-Officio Member
ADVISORY PANEL
Kathleen Cepelka, P.h.D., Board Member
Ryan Krienke, Principal
Sr. Kathleen O’Brien, O.S.F., Board Member