Jean Susko has been appointed as the new principal of Marian High School effective July 1, the board of directors announced.
The Most Rev. John Barres, bishop of Allentown, approved the board’s recommendation of Susko.
She will succeed Sister Bernard Agnes Smith, IHM, who is leaving Marian after having served as principal since 1998.
The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, notified Marian in October that, because of declining numbers among the sisters, they were withdrawing from Marian at the end of June.
Susko brings a wealth of experience to Marian as a teacher, middle school principal and assistant high school principal in the Catasauqua Area School District.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Cedar Crest College in Allentown, a master’s degree in secondary mathematics education from Kutztown University, and elementary and secondary principal certification from Lehigh University in Bethlehem.
In a news release, Susko said she is looking forward to this new challenge.
“It is an honor to be selected for this position by the Marian board of directors and Bishop Barres. Marian is a school with a wonderful history and a tradition of excellence,” Susko said.
“I welcome the opportunity to work with all the members of the Marian community, students, parents, faculty and alumni, to continue to provide a quality Catholic education focused on student learning and success.”
Marian board chairman Patrick H. Reilly said that as a parent of a Marian student, Susko already knows firsthand what the school is about.
“The board of directors is pleased to have someone with Jean’s education and experience and we are looking forward to working with her,” he said.
Reilly also had praise for Sister Bernard.
“Marian has been blessed with some remarkable leaders through the years including Monsignor Edward Sacks, Jack Malarkey and most recently Sister Bernard Agnes. She has worked wonders at this school under very demanding circumstances,” Reilly said.
“During her many years with us, as both teacher and principal, sister has been an outstanding model of Catholic faith in action to everyone who came in contact with her but, most especially, our students.”
Marian was founded in 1954. Its current enrollment is 344 students.