Longtime local educator William Crittenberger will become the new
head of school at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington July 1. The
appointment was announced Feb. 14.
“Mr. Crittenberger brings an extensive amount of experience and a
demonstrated passion for assuring excellence in education rooted in our
Catholic faith,” said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge. “I am confident he will
continue to build upon the good work and legacy at Bishop O’Connell High
School.
“I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the members
of the search committee for their great work and Sister Lorraine McGrew, IHM,
for her dedicated leadership during this interim period,” he said.
Crittenberger has been on the local education scene for more than
35 years. He served most recently for eight years as headmaster at St. Anselm’s
Abbey school in Washington. Prior to that, he was assistant head of school as
well as academic dean at several educational institutions in the Washington
area, including Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, Landon School and
Bullis School.
He began his career as a math and history teacher at the Connelly
School of the Holy Child in Potomac, Md. He also coached girls basketball and
volleyball, as well as boys football and baseball.
Crittenberger holds a master’s in education from Johns Hopkins
University and an master’s in history from Yale University. He completed his
undergraduate degree in journalism from George Washington University, after
attending the U.S. Military Academy for two years.
He and his wife, Tracy, have four grown children and are
parishioners at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Washington.
“Bishop O’Connell High School captures all that is good and right
in a high-functioning, joyful, and Christ-centered school community,”
Crittenberger said. “I am delighted, honored and blessed to be joining this
remarkable team, where together we will write the newest chapters in this
school’s storied history.”
Superintendent of Schools Joseph E Vorbach III announced the
appointment to faculty and staff. He said Crittenberger “brings a wealth of
experience and a great zeal for the mission of Catholic education.”