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Dear Cristo Rey Families,
I write today with an update on the principal search process. Over the past several months, the search committee has been deliberate and thoughtful in narrowing the field of candidates for the principal position through an intensive interview process. The process resulted in two finalists coming to Cristo Rey for a full day of interviews at the end of February. During this day-long process, the candidates had an opportunity to meet with students, parents, faculty, staff, and the leadership team. It was a highly competitive process, and both candidates brought the opportunity to share their extensive skill sets.
With the process now complete, I am honored to share that the best candidate to serve as principal has been identified. It is with great enthusiasm that I offered Ms. Zindy Mooney the position of principal, and she has accepted and will assume the role with all authority and responsibility, effective immediately. This will allow her to begin implementing her plans rather than waiting until the start of a new school year.
After observing Ms. Mooney over the past several months and engaging with her throughout the interview process, there is no one better suited to achieve the ambitious goals and strategic vision of our school community. We are completely aligned on the direction and changes our school needs to take to ensure our transformative mission grows.
Ms. Mooney is the right leader for us because she strikes the ideal balance of being data informed, action oriented, student focused, and family centered. In her interview, she described this as a school culture that balances “high expectation and high support.” In addition, she is a faith-filled person who will enliven our Jesuit values, which guide all that we do here are Cristo Rey.
Ms. Mooney is no stranger to our community having served as Interim Principal for a little over 8 months. She served as Academic Dean for Grades 11-12 for almost 2 years, and she has also served as our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator. Prior to joining Cristo Rey in 2021, Ms. Mooney was the Middle School Dean of Students at Visitation School in Mendota Heights for 3 years. In sum, she brings over 19 years of education experience to our community. Ms. Mooney’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree from Stanford University, a teaching license from Notre Dame de Namur, a Master’s Degree in Education from St. Mary’s University, a Master’s Degree in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership from the University of Illinois, and a certificate in Engineering Education from the University of St. Thomas.
In addition to her professional expertise, Ms. Mooney brings a personal passion for and connection to our school community. Being a first-generation college graduate herself, she knows what our students need to ensure their success. She is a role model of success and realizing one’s own God-given potential. In reflecting on her interview, Ms. Mooney said “I see myself in every student that walks our halls and I am fiercely committed to making sure they receive the education they deserve.”
Please join me in congratulating Ms. Mooney on this well-deserved role.
Sincerely,
Jason Morrison
President
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