Eight Catholic schools in the Diocese of Little Rock will have new leaders when school starts.
Father Les Farley
St. Michael School, West Memphis
Hometown: Paragould
Education: bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph College, Covington, La.; master’s degree in theology from St. Mary University, Baltimore, Md.
Teaching experience: 17 years as a pastor
Goals: This year is a learning year for me. I would like to understand more the role of principal so that I can better support the school as pastor.
Favorite saint: Saint of the Day
Hobbies: golf, playing guitar, reading
What do you look forward to the most: I love this little school. I look forward to just being a part of all of the joys and challenges of the new year.
Educational philosophy: I see my role as more supportive. We have a good staff and faculty. I hope to be very “hands on” without getting in the way of my teachers’ talents and gifts.
Main benefits of Catholic education: I appreciate the fact that we provide a well-rounded education, and we help the children to think for themselves. We expect a lot from our children but are very supportive.
Kimberlee Felix
St. Joseph School, Paris
Family: Husband Dominic and two children
Hometown: Audubon, N.J.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in education from Millersville University, Millersville, Pa.
Teaching experience: 24 years of teaching math and fifth grade in public schools (math specialist, Caldwell Elementary School, Tyler, Texas; math teacher, Teague Middle School, Houston, Texas; fifth grade, Broadus Wood Elementary School, Charlottesville, Va.)
Goals: Engage and excite our children in the learning process, provide experiences for students where they can grow in their faith, develop a deeper understanding with God and service of neighbor
Favorite saint: St. Brendan
Hobbies: swimming, walking
Most look forward to: Getting to know the teachers and families
Educational philosophy: Learning is a lifelong process. As an educator, my job is not so much to give children information, but instill in them a love for knowledge.
Main benefits of Catholic education: Children have opportunities to strengthen their faith in a loving environment centered on Christ.
Sister Lisa O’Connell, OSB
Blessed Sacrament School, Jonesboro
Hometown: Cleveland, Tenn.
Education: bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; bachelor’s degree in pastoral theology from St. Gregory University, Shawnee, Okla.; master’s degree in education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock; certificate in Catholic School Leadership from the University of Dallas
Teaching experience: Catholic elementary teacher for nine years (second grade, Blessed Sacrament, Jonesboro; second grade, St. Michael, West Memphis; fifth grade, Our Lady of the Holy Souls, Little Rock)
Goals: to highlight and build upon the heritage of Blessed Sacrament, to be an integral part of the parish and community of Jonesboro
Favorite Scripture: “Of his fullness, we have all received.” (John 1:16)
Hobbies: enjoying nature, reading
Most look forward to: sharing the joy of our faith and the excitement of learning with our students
Educational philosophy: All students should be provided the instruction and support needed to develop their potential to the full, recognizing the unique gifts of each individual.
Main benefits of Catholic education: A Catholic education helps one to find God in all things. The student learns that everything that is true, that has beauty flows from God and can be used to build the kingdom.
Joe Sine
St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers
Family: Wife Mary and one child
Hometown: Oklahoma City
Education: bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma; master’s degree in education from the University of Central Oklahoma
Teaching experience: 37 years as a teacher and principal in Oklahoma (high school English teacher, Mustang Public Schools, Mustang, Okla.; principal, Olive Public Schools, Olive, Okla.; seventh and eighth grade teacher, Bishop John Carroll School, Oklahoma City; history and English teacher, Bishop McGuinness High School, Oklahoma City; principal, St. Charles Borromeo School, Oklahoma City)
Goals: to build trust among the parents, to apply for Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, to increase opportunities for middle schoolers, to grow spiritually
Favorite Scripture: “Act kindly, love tenderly, walk humbly with God.” (Micah 6:8)
Hobbies: fishing
Most look forward to: all the new people and new experiences – good or bad.
Educational philosophy: Every child is a learner. With the appropriate help and inspiration, they can be taken from point A to point B in the length of year. How much that growth will depend upon the teacher and the work ethic and ability of the child. Failure is not an option.
Main benefits of Catholic education: A Catholic education teaches openness and tolerance. It allows all involved to integrate their spiritual quest for knowledge with their academic quest for knowledge. It is an environment to live out their relationship with others, with Christ as the example.
Dan Smith
Immaculate Heart of Mary, North Little Rock (Marche)
Family: Wife Angie and three children
Hometown: North Little Rock
Education: bachelor’s degree in science and math from Hawaii Loa College
Teaching experience: 18 years of teaching experience in Catholic schools (math and science teacher, Subiaco Academy; math teacher, Catholic High School, Little Rock)
Goals: increase student enrollment, incorporate faith with education
Favorite saint: St. Andrew
Hobbies: fishing
Most look forward to: the challenge of obtaining my goals
Educational philosophy: solid fundamentals
Main benefits of Catholic education: the ability to incorporate faith with education
Mark Tyler
St. John, Russellville
Family: Wife Sharon and four adult children
Hometown: Morrilton
Education: bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Central Arkansas; master’s degree in history from University of Central Arkansas; master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Arkansas
Teaching experience: 33 years as a teacher, principal and superintendent in Catholic and public schools in Arkansas (teacher, Sacred Heart School, Morrilton; teacher, high school and middle school principal and superintendent, East End School District, Bigelow; principal, St. Joseph School, Conway; principal, Winthrop Public Schools; high school and middle school principal, Mineral Springs School District)
Goals: implement policies and programs that promote growth and stability, promote the Catholic mission of St. John School, promote academic excellence and promote growth of the “whole child,” body, mind and soul. To assist parents in their role as the first teachers of their children.
Favorite saint: St. Francis of Assisi
Hobbies: fishing, horseshoes, volunteer work
Most look forward to: returning home to Catholic schools
ducational philosophy: Success in school depends on parents, teachers and administrators working together for the welfare of students.
Main benefits of Catholic education: The passing on of Catholic/Christian values to a new generation
Father Leonard Wangler, OSB
Subiaco Academy
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Education: bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Immaculate Conception Seminary; master’s degree in education from St. Louis University
Teaching experience: 40 years of teaching religion, math and science in Catholic schools (religion and chemistry teacher, Sacred Heart High School, Muenster, Texas; chemistry, algebra, geometry and religion teacher, Subiaco Academy)
Goals: Improve the residential environment, continue excellence in education
Favorite saint: St. Benedict
Hobbies: reading and walking (for leisure and exercise)
Most look forward to: Working with students
Educational philosophy: Education is more than an intellectual exercise. It should concern the whole individual.
Main benefits of Catholic education: Concern for the whole individual, quality education, everyone is treated as an individual
Other school changes
Marcia Brucks and Nellie Kirspel will lead Immaculate Conception School in North Little Rock as interim co-administrators.
