Elmhurst Catholic School Sees Departures

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst's IC Catholic Prep this week announced the departure of its president, who is leaving for another job in the diocese.

As it turns out, the local private high school is seeing a number of other resignations and retirements. It has been advertising for an English teacher, a physics and engineering teacher, and the director of the Farrelly Program, which says it helps students become independent, selfless leaders.

The school would not confirm the total number of departures. In an email, the school's spokesman, Brendan Marshall, said three employees were retiring. That includes Jean Field, the director of counseling, who is leaving after a half century, he said.

Asked whether the number of departures is more than usual, Marshall said it was not. He said the turnover is typical, especially since the start of the pandemic.

"Education is seeing turnover in every school at every level," Marshall said in the email. "Most teachers have left the profession or simply found a better opportunity."

As of fall 2020, the school had 370 students. That is about 15 percent of the enrollment at York High School, which is part of Elmhurst School District 205.

IC Catholic Prep area attracts students from a wider area than Elmhurst.

The school's president, Nikki Kanzia, is becoming director of Catholic identity, mission and leadership for the Catholic Schools Office in the Diocese of Joliet.