St. Mary School names alumna as new principal

MANCHESTER — The Board of Education of St. Mary School in Manchester is pleased to announce Kelley Harbach as the new principal for the 2018-19 school year. Harbach will begin her duties on July 1, taking over for Maureen Albritton.

An alumna of St. Mary School and a West Delaware graduate, Harbach has 19 years of Catholic school teaching and administrative experience. After receiving a degree in elementary education from Loras College, she went on to work as an elementary teacher at Catholic schools in Waukon and Worthington. While at St. Paul’s in Worthington, Harbach completed her degree in educational leadership from Loras College.

In July of 2015, she was named the principal at Sacred Heart Elementary School in Oelwein. During her tenure at ­Sacred Heart, Harbach has worked on updating curriculum and improving school technology. Additionally, Harbach has focused on recruitment and retention efforts, as well as improvements in marketing and community outreach.

“I am excited to be back in the St. Mary’s community,” said Harbach. “I believe a Catholic education is special because in a Catholic school, we generate an atmosphere of care and concern that results in an exceptional learning environment. I look forward to working with the students and families of St. Mary’s, as well as with the experienced and dedicated staff.”

“We are very pleased that Kelley has agreed to be our next principal,” said Marcel Kielkucki, St. Mary’s board chairperson. “The board was very impressed with Kelley’s enthusiasm, commitment to Catholic education, and the leadership she has provided to Sacred Heart School in Oelwein.  We look forward to seeing her use her talents and gifts with our staff, students, families and the greater St. Mary’s community.”