Episode Title: Pastor + Principal Partnerships: One Mission, One Team
Host: John Mihalyo
Guests: Julie Capirchio (Principal) + Fr. Gregory Stowe (Pastor)

Summary

Julie and Fr. Stowe share what a healthy pastor–principal partnership really looks like: shared mission, constant communication, honest disagreement behind closed doors, and a united front in public. They explain how parish and school can function as one community, why “no surprises” matters, and how trust is built over time—especially through hard seasons.

Key Takeaways

• One campus, one mission: parish + school thrive when they act as one body.
• No secrets, no surprises: steady communication prevents division and drama.
• Disagree privately, support publicly: unity strengthens culture and trust.
• Model collaboration at the top: staff and families follow what leaders demonstrate.
• Reciprocity matters: schools should actively support parish life (service, visibility, relationships).

Practical Advice

For pastors: listen deeply, discern wisely, and set the principal up to succeed.
For principals: be direct, ask questions, admit mistakes, and stay focused on what’s best for kids.

Closing Line

“Keep it real and don’t hold grudges.”

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The Catholic School Leaders Podcast
Host: John Mihalyo

Guest: Dr. Trevor Timmerberg, Assistant Superintendent, Archdiocese of Louisville

Episode Overview

Being a principal can be a lonely job. In this episode, John and Dr. Trevor Timmerberg unpack how a strong, healthy leadership team helps you lead with clarity, build trust, and move your school forward—without carrying everything on your own.

What You’ll Learn

• Mission-driven vs. maintenance-driven leadership teams
• How to choose the right people (not just the right positions)
• The right team size and meeting length
• How to prevent “meetings after meetings”
• Simple agenda structures that drive action and accountability
• Empowering others to lead (so it’s not all on you)

Key Takeaway

A great leadership team strengthens culture, improves decisions, and keeps your school focused on mission—not just managing the daily fires.

Call to Action

Need help building or refining your leadership team? Reach out to John Mihalyo to talk about your school.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Catholic School Leaders Podcast, John uses the turnaround of Indiana University football to challenge Catholic school leaders to rethink what’s possible for their schools.

Indiana went from an afterthought to a national champion because leadership refused to accept average. Catholic schools can experience the same kind of transformation—when culture, expectations, and people are aligned.

Key Takeaways

• Every turnaround starts with “no more.” Stop accepting excuses and lowering expectations.
• Culture comes before results. Strong schools expect excellence—they don’t just hope for it.
• People matter most. Hire for culture, not just experience, and support people to rise to high expectations.
• Success must be sustainable. One good year isn’t success—consistent growth is.
• There are no shortcuts. Real change takes time, investment, and commitment.

Final Thought

Five years from now, your Catholic school can be the standard—but only if you start building that culture today.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you want help moving your school forward, visit www.elementaryadvancement.com to connect and explore resources.

Schedule a time to meet with me here!