Padua Franciscan High School Announces New President

PARMA, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Padua Franciscan High School announced today that Fr. Allan DaCorte, O.F.M. will succeed Fr. Theodore (Ted) Haag, O.F.M., as president of the school effective July 1. DaCorte will become the fifth president of Padua since it adopted the president and principal form of executive administration in 1984.

“He clearly sees Padua as an educational ministry and is eager to begin to meet the members of the Padua community.”

Fr. DaCorte has an extensive background in administration, including roles as Franciscan seminary rector, church pastor, treasurer of the Franciscan Province of the Sacred Heart (St. Louis, Missouri), and, most recently, assistant treasurer of the Franciscan Order (Rome, Italy). He also served as chairman of the National Association for Treasurers of Religious Institutes. A native of Chicago, Fr. DaCorte was ordained a priest in 1977.

Although he does not take the office until the end of the current school year, Fr. DaCorte will become a familiar face at the school early next month as he begins his role as Assistant to the President, serving as understudy to Fr. Haag. This technique of succession planning is a tradition at Padua Franciscan, and ensures a smooth transition of leadership.

“Padua has a reputation as a leader in Catholic secondary education,” said Fr. DaCorte. “That reputation is based on its first fifty years and groundbreaking programs like MedTrack. I am delighted to have been selected to chart the school’s course toward an even more successful future.”

Although leaving office, Fr. Haag will remain in the Cleveland area to continue his ministry. Haag has served as president of Padua Franciscan High School since July 2003. “Fr. Allan brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to Padua Franciscan,” said Fr. Haag. “He clearly sees Padua as an educational ministry and is eager to begin to meet the members of the Padua community.”

For further information, contact Jerry Jindra at 440.845.8224, or at [e-mail].