Dear Lancaster Catholic Community,
We are three weeks into the school year and, for many, are settling into our new routines.
The beginning of a school year brings with it many opportunities for future growth as individuals, families, a community and as children of God.
This school year also brings changes for Lancaster Catholic. This evening, we announced the news that Tim Hamer, LCHS President, and Terry Klugh, Principal, have prayerfully decided to retire at the end of the 2023-24 school year. Tim has served as president for nine years, and Terry has been principal for 10 years, serving 15 years prior as the Athletic Director and Vice Principal for Lancaster Catholic High School (LCHS). During this evening’s announcement, Tim and Terry offered these remarks:
“In retiring from Lancaster Catholic after nine years of service as President, I am filled with gratitude for the support of thousands of alumni, parents and benefactors whose unprecedented generosity made decades-long aspirations for a new stadium, state-of-the-art STEM classrooms and soon to be completed Catholic Student Commons a reality.” – Tim Hamer, LCHS President
“Throughout the past forty-five years, I have been honored to serve the Harrisburg Diocese under and with many affirming bishops, clergy, Sisters, and lay colleagues. My roles as educator, Diocesan religious education director, athletic director, and principal have brought me joy and fulfillment. I will retire as principal of Lancaster Catholic High School filled with a strong sense of honor and gratitude. I know I will always feel a part of this Crusader community.” – Terry Klugh LCHS Principal
Over the summer break, Tim and Terry, separately and unbeknownst to each other, approached me as chair of the Board with their retirement intentions. While this news may be surprising, Tim and Terry remain focused on providing the best possible leadership for Lancaster Catholic, ensuring our students, families, and faculty have a great school year. Both will continue in their positions through June 30, 2024.
I know I speak for the entire Board when I say we are very grateful for the many years of leadership both Tim and Terry have devoted to LCHS and wish them the very best during this next chapter.
With our focus on the future, a search committee is being formed to secure the next president and principal for Lancaster Catholic. This committee will work with Partners In Mission, a consulting firm focused exclusively on developing excellence in school leadership who has a strong 11 year history with the school, and the Diocese of Harrisburg in conducting a national search and vetting candidates.
As we begin this next phase in the proud 95-year history of Lancaster Catholic, I thank all of you, our Catholic High community, for your support and trust. This next phase may have its challenges, but we trust that God, our Father, will provide guidance and wisdom, leading us as we secure our next president and principal. As we move through this process, the Board will provide updates on our progress as we are able.
I pray God will be with you and will continue to bless our Lancaster Catholic family. Sincerely,
Sean Killen
Chair, Lancaster Catholic School Board