Fenwick High School, a private Dominican Catholic institution, has been a bastion of tradition and education in Oak Park. But lately, it seems like the school has been playing musical chairs with its principals. John Finan will take the reins as the new principal for the 2024-25 school year, as announced by the school on Wednesday, according to a news release acquired by the Chicago Tribune. His appointment comes on the heels of Mark Rasar's sudden resignation just six months after his appointment to the role.
Rasar, whose last day was Dec. 5, jumped ship for a CEO position at Northern Kane Educational Corporation, a move closer to his Arlington Heights home. He described the new role as an "unexpected opportunity" that aligns with his "interest in charter schools and the challenges they present," in a press release cited by Oak Park. Despite the abrupt departure, school leaders are putting on a brave face, commending Rasar for his "energy and fresh eye" which supposedly made immediate and positive impacts.
Enter John Finan, a Fenwick alumnus himself, with administrative chops and teaching experience in his portfolio. McFinan's presence is expected to be a game-changer, according to Matt McNicholas, Fenwick’s Board Chairman. McNicholas proclaimed Finan's "dedication to academic excellence, profound love for Fenwick, and excitement to contribute to our continued success is palpable," McNicholas said, his background with the institution and its community presumed to be a noteworthy advantage for the role.
While Fenwick seeks stability, Charly Ieremia is sticking her nose to the grindstone as the interim principal for the rest of the school year. Ieremia, the school’s current associate principal for student services, is no stranger to leadership, having held positions as the dean of students and interim director of student services in her time, her moves within the school noted by Fenwick President Fr. Richard Peddicord, O.P. Peddicord expressed gratitude for Ieremia's leadership during the transition, saying, “We welcome John and Charly to their new roles at Fenwick and look forward to partnering with them to ensure Fenwick’s mission and continue our tradition of academic excellence,” according to the Tribune release.
