Catholic Schools’ Superintendent to Retire

Dr. Kathleen Cepelka, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, announced her plans to retire June 30, 2022, capping a career of 53 years in Catholic education. Cepelka was appointed Superintendent by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki in spring 2010.

“Although Kathleen’s leadership and vision will be difficult to replace, this is a tremendous opportunity to build upon her legacy,” Archbishop Listecki said.  “Because of Kathleen, we have one of the strongest systems of Catholic Schools in the nation.”

Dr. Cepelka will remain as a consultant on special projects for the archdiocese, particularly in the area of leadership. “Kathleen has been and will continue to be a great asset to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee,” Archbishop Listecki said.

“Over the past 12 years, there hasn't been a day when I haven’t felt privileged, humbled, and grateful to be serving as the leader of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee,” said Cepelka. “Looking ahead, however, I've concluded that I’m ready to transition into new ways to serve, and I want to leave this role while I still love it like I do. I also believe that the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese deserve to benefit from the fresh perspectives and relevant skills of new leadership.”

Under Dr. Cepelka’s leadership, the archdiocese adopted an innovative and creative approach to models of Catholic education beyond the traditional parish-school model, which has allowed Catholic schools to remain accessible and affordable to families desiring a high-quality Catholic education.

Regional school systems were formed in many areas of the archdiocese, including Racine, Kenosha and Fond du Lac. In addition, Seton Catholic Schools united 11 parish schools in a system reaching underserved populations in the urban areas of Milwaukee County.  School enrollment also stabilized and two additional Catholic High Schools were formed.

Archbishop Listecki has appointed a search committee to conduct a national search with a goal of appointing a new superintendent by May 1. Search committee members include Ellen Bartel, retired president of Divine Savior Holy Angels High School, Milwaukee; Reverend Phillip Bogacki, pastor of Christ King Parish, and St. Bernard Parish, Wauwatosa; John Borgen, CEO and President of Catholic Financial Life; Reverend Paul Hartmann, pastor of St. Monica Parish, Whitefish Bay and St. Eugene Parish, Fox Point, and former President of Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha; and Daniel Scholz, President of Cardinal Stritch University.

Prior to joining the archdiocese, Dr. Cepelka was Associate Dean of Education at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Principal of Catholic Memorial High School in Waukesha, and served as principal, teacher and other leadership roles in Catholic Schools.

A native of West Allis, Dr. Cepelka attended St. Mary Help of Christians school in West Allis. She earned a Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership at Marquette University.

The Office for Schools participates in the evangelizing mission of the Church by providing service, support, and professional resources to the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee to ensure their long-term viability and excellence in faith development, academics, and formation of the whole student. The Archdiocese of Milwaukee includes 30,000 students enrolled at 85 elementary schools and 16 high schools located throughout 10 counties in southeastern Wisconsin.