Mount St. Dominic head of school announces her retirement after 23 years

CALDWELL, NJ — Sister Fran Sullivan, head of school at Mount St. Dominic Academy in Caldwell, announced earlier in March that she will be stepping down after more than 23 years in her position. Her official last day will be June 30.

Sullivan originally joined the Mount as a teacher in 1983 when the school had a significantly smaller footprint. During her tenure as head of school beginning in 1998, the school built a separate athletic center, established the Doris M. Byrne Performing Arts Center, expanded the library media center, renovated the science labs, and designated both Fine Arts and Innovation centers. The academic programs have expanded to include a large selection of AP classes and offerings such as robotics, and the Mount is the only all-girls school in the area to offer the L.E.O. Program focused on entrepreneurship.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Mount community in both a teaching and head of school capacity,” Sullivan said. “I have a deep love and respect for the Mount, our mission, our 129-year legacy and the opportunities we present to those who walk these halls. I will cherish the 42 years of memories, lifelong friendships and experiences I leave with after this year, and the Mount will always hold a very special place in my heart.” 

“Sister Fran has dedicated most of her life to the Mount, and our broader community,” said Sister Luella Ramm, prioress of the Sisters of St. Dominic in Caldwell. “We are so appreciative of her calm, steady leadership and her accomplishments as the Mount has grown over the past 23 years. Sister Fran has truly given Mount St. Dominic Academy a respected place on the map of Caldwell.”

According to the MSDA board of trustees Chairperson Madeline Cox-Arleo, a search committee has been identified and an academic search firm will be engaged to hire an interim head of school. A permanent search will follow. 

For more information about the high school, visit www.msdacademy.org.

  Mount Saint Dominic Academy