New Catholic school administrators bring wealth of experience, strong faith as school year begins
Meet the new principals and assistant principals leading diocesan Catholic schools
As the new school year begins, five Catholic schools in the Diocese of Syracuse are welcoming new leadership. They each bring with them a diverse depth of experience in education and administration, as well as excitement for the beginning of the school year. The Catholic Sun asked each new principal and assistant principal about their backgrounds and why they chose to work in Catholic education. Here is the list of new Catholic school administrators for the 2026-27 school year, along with excerpts from our Q&A.
Bishop Ludden-Grimes Junior-Senior High School, Syracuse
Principal Kevin Murphy began his career as a teacher assistant in the Syracuse City School District (SCSD) before he became certified as a special education teacher through the Master of Science for Teachers (MST) program at Le Moyne College, going on to teach at Chittenango High School and within the SCSD. He has since become an administrator, working in many positions and assignments at Fowler High School, Corcoran High School, Shea Middle School, Roberts PK-8, and Meachem Elementary. “I have been lucky to have been trained and served as the Head of Schools for the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Program, Middle Years Program, and Diploma Program at various schools along the way,” Murphy shared.
CS: What are you most excited about with the upcoming school year approaching?
KM: I can’t wait for the students to get back in the building, bring their energy, and see all the new things we have in store for them! This has been a busy summer, but the jump in energy that happens when the students arrive takes it to another level!
CS: What attracted you to working at a Catholic school?
KM: I grew up as a lifelong member of St. Brigid’s parish and now St. Patrick’s/St. Brigid’s. I have never hidden my faith, but it intrigues me to be able to be open and outright about my faith. I look forward to being able to grow as a person of faith along with the students, staff, and community of Bishop Ludden-Grimes.
CS: What would you like the students to know about you as their principal?
KM: As the Head of School (principal), I sometimes have to be the bearer of bad tidings as the strict but fair leader. Please remember that I am a person, too. I grew up on the Westside of Syracuse, married my high school sweetheart, and have three sons. We are a big sports family, but baseball has been a focus, as all three sons play/played college baseball and I have coached every level from Little League to Varsity high school and college. I am a huge music fan and can play several instruments. I really enjoy attending concerts with friends and family.
Assistant Principal Margaret (Maggie) Bristol has been working with students for over 25 years, first in North Carolina before she made her way to New York more than a decade ago. During her career so far, her roles have included fourth grade teacher, literacy specialist, superintendent intern, and administrator. Bristol shared that she’s “honored to serve on both the state and local boards of NAMI and am a proud Dole Caregiver Fellow alumna.”
CS: What are you most excited about with the upcoming school year approaching?
MB: I’m most excited about getting to know our students, families, and staff and becoming part of the BLG community. I’m looking forward to building strong relationships, celebrating our students’ successes, and working together to create a positive, welcoming school year filled with growth, learning, and plenty of Knight pride!
CS: What attracted you to working at a Catholic school?
MB: What attracted me to Catholic education is the strong sense of community and the focus on educating the whole child. I value a school environment where academic excellence is paired with character, service, compassion, and a commitment to helping students become their best selves. I’m excited to be part of a community where faith, relationships, and a shared mission guide the work we do each day.
CS: What would you like the students to know about you as their assistant principal?
MB: I want students to know that once you’re mine, you’re always mine! I’m here for you — someone you can talk to, count on, and come to with questions, concerns, or ideas. I believe in building relationships, listening, and making sure every student feels seen and heard. I’ll celebrate your successes, help you navigate the tough moments, and challenge you to keep growing. Most importantly, I’ll always support you, hold you accountable, and believe in your potential because I know you’re capable of great things. Go Knights!
Blessed Sacrament School, Syracuse
Prior to stepping into this new role, Principal Heather Marx spent 27 years in the classroom, first as a third-grade teacher before teaching Pre-K for more than two decades. Over the last two years, she has served as the school’s assistant principal, while also directing the afterschool care and vacation programs. Having served on committees for safety, RTI (Response to Intervention), marketing, and fundraising, as well as mentoring student activities, Marx shared she’s always loved getting involved in the total life of the school. “Every step of this journey has shaped my approach to principalship: putting students first, supporting teachers, and serving the school family,” Marx said.
CS: What are you most excited about with the upcoming school year approaching?
HM: What excites me most is the opportunity to build strong, genuine relationships with our students, families, teachers, and parishioners. There is a special sense of warmth and tradition at Blessed Sacrament School, and I’m eager to walk through the doors each day, see our students’ faces light up as they learn, and partner with parents to nurture both their academic growth and spiritual journey.
CS: What attracted you to working at a Catholic school?
HM: In a Catholic school, we aren’t just teaching academic subjects; we are raising children together in faith and character. What drew me here was that sense of an extended family home where faith, learning, and love intersect, and where parents and educators work hand-in-hand to nurture the whole child.
CS: What would you like the students to know about you as their principal?
HM: I want our students to know how deeply valued and loved they are for the unique gifts, talents, and personalities they bring to Blessed Sacrament School. Every single student enriches our community just by being who they are. My greatest joy as principal will be walking alongside them, watching them grow — both in their faith and in their academics — and celebrating who they are becoming every single day.
Immaculate Conception School, Fayetteville
A passionate educator for over 20 years, Principal Kelly Porter said she’s had the privilege of spending nine wonderful years serving within the Diocese of Syracuse. Throughout her career in elementary and early childhood education, Porter said she’s been “dedicated to fostering engaging, supportive, and growth-centered environments for young learners.”
CS: What are you most excited about with the upcoming school year approaching?
KP: I am most excited to welcome our students, teachers, and families back to a school year filled with new opportunities, joy, and community. There is nothing quite like the energy of a fresh school year, and I look forward to supporting our students as they learn, grow, and discover their gifts both academically and spiritually.
CS: What attracted you to working at a Catholic school?
KP: I was drawn to Catholic education because it offers the unique privilege of educating the whole child: mind, heart, and spirit. Being able to weave faith, compassion, and gospel values into everyday learning creates a supportive community where children not only thrive academically, but also grow into compassionate, faithful leaders.
CS: What would you like the students to know about you as their principal?
KP: I want our students to know that I am here to encourage them, celebrate their efforts, and help them do their best every single day. My door is always open, and I am so excited to cheer them on, listen to their ideas, and watch them accomplish great things this year!
Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School, Utica
Assistant Principal Gina Malin spent over 17 years as a Family and Consumer Sciences and Health teacher, primarily at the middle school level, before stepping into her new role this year. Malin shared that throughout her career, her main focus has been “creating a safe,
nurturing environment while building strong relationships with my students, their families, my colleagues, and the community.”
CS: What are you most excited about with the upcoming school year approaching?
GM: For the upcoming school year, I am excited about another year of learning, discovery, and success. I look forward to supporting our teachers, partnering with our families and the Notre Dame community, and watching our students grow in confidence and knowledge.
CS: What attracted you to working at a Catholic school?
GM: What attracted me to work at a Catholic school was the unique opportunity to integrate faith with academic excellence. I firmly believe that Catholic education seeks to develop the whole person — intellectually, spiritually, morally, and socially — within a community built on respect, honesty, integrity, trust, and responsibility. My mission is to help create a diverse, safe, and nurturing environment where students are encouraged to uncover their unique gifts, challenged academically, supported spiritually, and motivated to reach their full potential.
CS: What would you like the students to know about you as their assistant principal?
GM: I want the students to know that my door is always open and that I am here to encourage and support them throughout their time at Notre Dame. I want them to feel safe, valued, and inspired to do their best every single day.
Trinity Catholic School, Oswego
Principal Mary Beth Fierro has a wide range of administrative experience, including serving as a principal at every grade level, from pre-K through 12th grade, and in both public and Catholic school settings. She shared that she is excited to bring her experience to Trinity Catholic School and to begin this next chapter of service. “Each experience has shaped me as an educator and leader and has deepened my belief in the importance of strong relationships among students, families, faculty, and the school community,” said Fierro.
CS: What are you most excited about with the upcoming school year approaching?
MBF: I am most excited about building relationships with our students and families. I believe that strong relationships are at the heart of a successful school community, and I look forward to getting to know our students, celebrating their accomplishments, supporting them through challenges, and working alongside our families and faculty to make Trinity Catholic School an even stronger community. There is also something very special about returning to a school that has been part of my family’s story for generations, and I am excited to build on that history while
looking toward the future.
CS: What attracted you to working at a Catholic school?
MBF: What has always drawn me to Catholic education is the strong sense of community and the opportunity to serve students and families in a different way. I appreciate that we can focus on the whole child while also helping our students grow in their faith and understand the importance of kindness, community service, and caring for others. Returning to Trinity Catholic School feels a little like coming home. My own children attended Trinity when they were young, and my mother attended St. Paul’s Academy, which is now Trinity Catholic School, from kindergarten through ninth grade. Coming back to a school with such a strong connection to my own family makes this next chapter even more meaningful.
CS: What would you like the students to know about you as their principal?
MBF: I want our students to know that I am here for them. I want to be a principal who listens, celebrates their successes, encourages them when things are difficult, and believes in their ability to grow and become the best version of themselves. I will have expectations for them, but I will always lead with kindness, fairness, and a genuine desire to see them succeed. Most importantly, I want every student at Trinity to feel seen, valued, and loved.
Favorite Scripture and why?
Kevin Murphy’s favorite Scripture is Proverbs 4:7: The beginning of wisdom is this; Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. “Education is not merely about acquiring knowledge or professional skills. It is about seeking truth, growing in wisdom, and developing a deeper relationship with God. The Church teaches that faith and reason work together, so learning becomes a path to both intellectual and spiritual growth.”
Maggie Bristol highlighted Philippians 4:13 as her favorite Scripture verse: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. “I love this verse because it reminds me that with faith, I can face whatever comes my way. It encourages me to trust God, embrace challenges, and remember that I’m never navigating life alone. Whether at school, in sports, at home, through advocacy, or wherever life takes me, it’s always been a reminder to stay strong, keep going, and trust in God’s plan!”
Heather Marx selected two favorite Scripture passages — 1 Corinthians 13:13: And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. and Matthew 18:5: Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. “1 Corinthians 13:13 coupled with Matthew 18:5 resonates deeply with me as a principal. We talk so much about faith and academic achievement, but as Scripture reminds us, love is the foundational gift that binds everything together. When we welcome a child into our school family with love, we are welcoming Christ Himself. That guides how I approach leadership, supporting our students in their faith journey, and building a compassionate school community.”
Kelly Porter’s favorite Scripture passage is Matthew 14:22–33, particularly verses 28 and 29, where Peter steps out of the boat onto the water toward Jesus. “A homily on this passage once posed a powerful question: Jesus will always be with you no matter where you are, but would you rather sit on land with Him or walk on water beside Him? That message has stuck with me ever since; it serves as a beautiful reminder to have courage, step out in faith, and trust where Jesus is calling us to go.”
Gina Malin’s favorite Scripture verse is Luke 1:37: For with God nothing shall be impossible. “This verse is a powerful reminder that when we trust in God’s guidance and stay true to His call, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome.”
One of Mary Beth Fierro’s favorite Scripture passages is Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. “I find this verse especially meaningful because it reminds me that we are not called to do difficult things alone. As I begin this new chapter at Trinity Catholic School, I know there will be challenges and opportunities, but I am confident that with faith, prayer, and the support of our school community, we can continue to do great things for our students and families.”
