My alma mater, Fenwick High School, asked alums what we want in a principal, whom the school will be hiring soon.
They asked:
What are the strengths of the School – those core values you want to honor and preserve?
I said:
Catholic identity, high academic standards, good learning environment
They asked:
What are the challenges facing the school that need to be addressed during the next 3-5 years?
I said:
Emphasizing personal responsibility and freedom in a time of increasingly statist solutions to national economic and social problems. Elucidating the diversity of Catholic-based thought in this matter.
They asked:
What personal and professional qualities would you like to see in the next Principal of Fenwick High School?
I said:
Personal integrity, keen intelligence, high managerial capability.
Off top of head, you know. Better ideas, anyone?
Later: Reader M. approves:
Catholic identity, high academic standards, good learning environment
If the principal sees to that, he will have all the qualities within himself that everyone wants him to have.
Boy, that “Catholic identity” thing is elusive in many Catholic schools today.
Blithe Spirit 
I answered the three questions with the following.
What are the strengths of the School – those core values you want to honor and preserve?
• Good education.
• Character development
• Bonding traditions
2. What are the challenges facing the school that need to be addressed during the next 3-5 years?
• Preparing students to achieve success in their future student/work careers.
• Timeliness in a changing/diverse society.
• Applying the lessons of history in the future.
• Contributing to community development and leadership.
3. What personal and professional qualities would you like to see in the next Principal of Fenwick High School?
• Top flight professional credentials/degrees in education.
• A track record for education leadership of teachers, students, and parents.
• A track record for curriculum management/development.
• Community commitment.
Bill Barrett, Fenwick ’49
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The Catholic school system in Chicago is a trusted locale of hope and promise for the city. Give the leaders of this system support, encouragement, and more public awareness of their values, committment, and practical leadership, and blessings will descend upon the community. It is not too late to save the Chicago school system, but as we used to say in Latin I class — tempus fugit. (and time is suely passing.!!)_
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