From uncertainty to renewal: Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools looks toward the future
By Melanie Sisinni
05/07/2026
Just a few years ago, the future of the Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools in Hermitage was uncertain.
Declining enrollment and leadership transitions raised serious questions about the path forward. Today, however, the schools are experiencing renewed stability, growing enrollment and a sense of energy and mission that leaders say has transformed the school community. Classrooms that once raised concerns about empty seats are now filled with students, and hallways are lined with colorful artwork, science projects and student displays that reflect the life of a busy school day.
For Jim Gallagher, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Erie, the past several years tell a story of perseverance and collaboration.
“There were some difficult moments,” Gallagher said. “But members of the community stepped forward to help these schools continue. That commitment became the starting point for the progress we’re seeing today.”
Currently, the system includes Kennedy Catholic Middle High School, serving students in grades 7 through 12, and St. John Paul II Elementary School, which educates students from prekindergarten through sixth grade.
For Angela Surano, the past several years have been a time of reflection and renewal. A Kennedy Catholic graduate, Surano later returned to serve as chairperson of the board of directors during a pivotal period of transition.
“We had to take a good, honest look at how the school system was operating and where we needed to grow stronger,” Surano said. “That meant focusing on governance, accountability and long-term planning.”
One important step was strengthening the role of the board of directors and clarifying its responsibilities.
“As board members, we’re responsible for the long-term health of the schools,” Surano said. “It’s not just an advisory role. We have to be intentional about planning, finances and supporting the mission of Catholic education.”
Today the board works closely with school leadership to guide major initiatives and future planning.
“We’ve developed a strategic plan and expanded our outreach to alumni and community partners,” Surano said. “There’s a real sense now that people are proud of what Kennedy Catholic is becoming again.”
A major factor in the schools’ renewed momentum has been the leadership of Joe Kenneally, who became president nearly two years ago.
Surano said his experience in Catholic education has helped bring stability and clarity to the schools.
“He understands Catholic schools and the mission behind them,” she said. “He’s focused on what’s best for the students and the future of the system, and that consistency has made a tremendous difference.”
Kenneally said the renewed energy surrounding the schools reflects a shared commitment among educators, families and the wider community.
“When people believe in the mission of Catholic education and work together, it creates a lot of positive momentum,” he said.
Under his leadership, the schools have expanded outreach efforts, strengthened communication with families and increased visibility throughout the region.
Leaders say that renewed visibility, along with a stronger culture within the schools, has helped drive enrollment growth in recent years. During the school day, that growth can be seen in busy hallways between classes, students gathering for activities and classrooms filled with conversation and collaboration.
Much of that growth has taken place at St. John Paul II Elementary School, where principal Katie Tiefenthal says the school’s welcoming culture is one of its greatest strengths.
“I always encourage families to visit when school is in session,” Tiefenthal said. “You can feel the atmosphere right away. Students greet visitors in the hallways, and they’re proud of their school.”
Tiefenthal describes the school as a close-knit community where families, teachers and students work together to support one another.
“It really is a school family,” she said. “Parents are involved, teachers are dedicated and the students care about each other.”
Faith is woven into daily life at the school through prayer, Mass and service opportunities.
“We want students to understand that faith isn’t separate from their daily lives,” Tiefenthal said. “It’s something they live every day.”
Programs such as the school’s “big buddy, little buddy” initiative, which pairs older students with younger ones, help build strong relationships across grade levels.
“It’s wonderful to see the older students take pride in helping the younger ones,” Tiefenthal said. “You’ll see them walking together in the hallways, helping with projects or reading together in the classrooms.”
As the schools continue to grow, leaders say the focus now is on sustaining that momentum.
“We’re in a position where we can focus on strengthening programs and continuing to build enrollment,” Gallagher said.
Surano believes the renewed sense of collaboration throughout the Kennedy Catholic community will be key to that future.
“There are so many people who care deeply about these schools,” Surano said. “When everyone works together with the same mission in mind, it creates something really special.”
For the leadership of the Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools, that shared commitment will continue to guide the work ahead.
“It really does feel like a different school community than it did just a few years ago,” Gallagher added. “There’s a renewed sense of mission and pride, and that’s what makes the future so exciting.”
>> To experience more moments from daily life at the schools, visit our photo gallery.
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