The Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Palm Beach is pleased to announce that Mr. John F. Clarke has been appointed by the Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito, DD, JCL, as the Interim President of Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach for a one-year term, effective July 1, 2023. This appointment is in addition to his current responsibilities as Associate Superintendent of Schools. John brings more than 30 years of experience in Catholic schools and universities to this role.
John started his career in education as an English and journalism teacher at his alma mater, Chaminade High School in New York. He then went on to serve for 20 years as a teacher, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal and Principal at Cardinal Newman High School. In addition, he worked as Director of the Academic Resource Center at Lynn University and as Manager of the Student Learning Center at Palm Beach State College. For the past seven years, he has served as Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Palm Beach.
He is a product of Catholic education at both the elementary and high school levels. He earned his B.A. degree in English and theology from St. John’s University, an M.A. in English literature from Hofstra University, and an Ed.S. in educational leadership from Florida Atlantic University.
A dedicated search committee will continue its work with a national consulting firm to seek a permanent highly qualified candidate for the position of President, effective July 2024 or sooner if possible. Various constituent groups of Cardinal Newman High School continue to play an active role in the ongoing process to select a new President for the school. John stated, “I have a great passion for Cardinal Newman High School, and I am happy to serve as Interim President as the search committee continues to seek a top-notch candidate who will start in July 2024. My dedication to Cardinal Newman High School flows from my own 20 years of service there, as well as from a personal commitment to Catholic education. This commitment is rooted in my own 16 years of Catholic education, as well as eight years as a member of
the Society of Mary (Marianists) at Chaminade High School, and more than 30 years of service in high school teaching and administration. I believe that I possess the Catholic vision and values that provide strong leadership to benefit the school, its students and their families. I am delighted to be returning to ‘Crusader Country’ as Interim President, and I look forward to working with all members of the Cardinal Newman Family in advancing the school to the next level of excellence in Catholic education.”
To learn more about Cardinal Newman High School visit, https://cardinalnewman.com/ or call 561-683-6266.