Bishop Ford Central Catholic High School, Park Slope, announced that the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE Consulting) has been retained to assist with a nationwide search for the new principal for the 2012-2013 school year.

Gerard Conlon, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, stated, “Bishop Ford has been educating students of Brooklyn since 1962.  We would like to ensure that our core mission of educating young men and women in the Franciscan tradition continues well into the future.”

He added, “This is an exciting time for Bishop Ford.  I already know that our school and our dedicated faculty and administrators provide an excellent education and wonderful opportunities to our students.  However, every educational institution should continue to strive for excellence as it adapts to a changing world.  We are committed to achieving excellence in education and that commitment starts with hiring the best candidate for the position of principal, the academic leader of the school.”

The search for a new principal was occasioned by Principal Frank Brancato’s recent acceptance of a leadership position with the Martin de Porres Schools and Agency, a return to his Lasallian roots.

ACE’s process includes a three-phase approach to the search process which culminates with the identification of several qualified candidates for the position.  The candidates selected will be interviewed by representatives of a variety of the school’s constituencies, including faculty, alumni, and members of a search committee constituted by the board of trustees.  Ultimately, the board of trustees will select the new principal best suited to lead the school during a period of dynamic change.  The goal is to have the new person selected in advance of the start of the 2012-2013 academic year.

ACE Consulting was established in response to the University of Notre Dame’s National Task Force on Catholic Education’s call to develop a high-quality, affordable consulting organization for Pre-K to12 Catholic school institutions.

Among other functions, ACE Consulting assists Catholic schools in achieving excellence to ensure their future vitality.
Bishop Ford opened in 1962 and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in September 2012.