Peabody Parochial School Names New Principal

Press release from St. John the Baptist School:

May 13 2020

(St. John the Baptist, Peabody, MA) Father John MacInnins, Pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish, announced today that Valerie Shippen has been selected as the new principal of St. John the Baptist School in Peabody,MA. Shippen currently serves as a teacher and assistant vice principal at the school. The hiring comes less than two months after the tragic passing of Maureen Kelliher, who spent seventeen years serving in the leadership role. Shippen is the daughter of the school’s legendary kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Carol Isles, who spent over 40 years as a member of the faculty.

"Valerie is an extraordinary example of a leader who brings to this critically important role a number of outstanding qualities, including her love for children and youth, her passion and skill for teaching, her deeply rooted Catholic faith and commitment to the Church, and her inspiring vision and determination to move our school forward into the future,” Fr. John MacInnis said. “I am very grateful for her leadership. Those of us who know Valerie understand how very blessed we are to have in her an individual who is ready, equipped, and eager to carry on our mission during one of the most difficult moments in history."

Shippen, who has served as a teacher at the school since 2009 and as assistant vice principal since 2018, holds degrees in Business Administration from Salem State University, a Master’s Degree in Education from Boston College and a certificate in Catholic School Leadership from Merrimack College. She is also an entrepreneur and founded the not-for-profit Beyond Sunday Missions, serving the impoverished in Western Maine. At Sacred Heart Parish in Manchester, MA she has been Director of Religious Education and Faith Formation and Youth Ministry over ten years. Most recently, Shippen participated in a new training program for principals: Aspiring Leaders, and comes highly recommended by the Catholic Schools Office.

“On behalf of our volunteer leaders, I am thrilled that Valerie has been named principal of our beloved institution,” said Sergio Costa, President of the St. John the Baptist School Board of Directors and alumnus of the school. “It was evident in our interview process that she possesses the skills we highly desire – strong academic and business acumen, classroom experience and an undeniable passion for the school and our critically important delivery of a Catholic based education. Valerie assumes this role at a very critical time in our 126 year history and will have the full support of the board to ensure we navigate these challenging times and demonstrate the resolve that has anchored our longstanding history in the City of Peabody.”

Shippen will assume the role of principal on Tuesday, May 12

This press release was produced by the St. John the Baptist School. The views expressed here are the author’s own.