Schools

Four new principals take the lead

Ashleigh Kassock | Catholic Herald

Four new principals chat after a meeting at the chancery in Arlington Aug. 6, including (from left) Jeff Presburg of St. John the Beloved School in McLean; Denise Rutledge of St. Joseph School in Herndon; Erin O’Mally of St. Theresa School in Ashburn; and Jen Kuzdzal of St. Agnes School in Arlington. ASHLEIGH KASSOCK | CATHOLIC HERALD

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Four diocesan schools are expecting new principals in addition to new students this fall. Principals Jeff Presberg, Denise Rutledge, Jen Kuzdzal and Erin O’Malley bring many years of experience to the diocese as both teachers and administrators. The new principals came together at the Office of Catholic School’s chancery offices in Arlington Aug. 6 for a special orientation meeting before classes began. They are excited to lead both their students and their faculty to new academic heights this year. 

Jeff Presberg, principal of St. John the Beloved School in McLean, was born in Lake Forest, Ill. In 1992, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dallas, and a master’s in humanities in 2006. He taught and served as a teacher and administrator at the Heights School in Potomac, Md. (1994-2009.) He was the founding headmaster at Western Academy in Houston, where he served (2008-13.) 

Denise Rutledge, principal of St. Joseph School in Herndon, was born in Toledo, Ohio. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Villanova University, a law degree from Stetson University in Florida and a master’s in education from Marymount University in Arlington. She has taught in the diocese of Arlington for 18 years and served as assistant principal for the past two years at St. Timothy Catholic School in Chantilly.  

Jen Kuzdzal, principal of St. Agnes School in Arlington, was born in New Orleans. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from The Catholic University of America in Washington in 1995, and a master’s in education from Regent University in Alexandria in 2000. She received her certification in administration and supervision from Capella University in 2014. Kuzdzal previously taught in the Archdiocese of Washington and the Diocese of Arlington as well as in Fairfax County public schools. For the past 11 years, she has taught at St. Agnes School, while also serving as the assistant principal.

Erin O’Malley, principal of St. Theresa School in Ashburn, was born in Scranton, Pa. In 1992, she earned a bachelor’s degree in education and English from the University of Scranton and a master’s in school counseling in 1997. She earned a certificate in school administration from George Washington University in Washington in 2010. She previously worked at West Potomac High School in Fairfax and Park View High School in Sterling. She also served as dean of students services at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington. 

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