Abby Martin to be principal of Sedalia Sacred Heart School

The St. Vincent de Paul parish leadership, the Sacred Heart School Advisory Council and the Diocese of Jefferson City announce the appointment of Abby Martin as principal at Sacred Heart School in Sedalia for the 2020-2021 school year.

In this role, Mrs. Martin will work as a full-time member of the administrative team in the direction, supervision and evaluation of the school’s K-12 instructional program.

Sacred Heart School is the only Catholic school in the diocese to teach pre-kindergarten through high school.

Current principal Dr. Mark Register, who will serve as part-time president next year under a reconfigured administrative structure for the school, said the Sacred Heart community is delighted to welcome Mrs. Martin as a member of the new administrative team.

“She brings a strong curriculum and instruction experience at the elementary level,” Dr. Register stated. “We are especially excited to have her working with our stellar faculty to promote and ensure continued academic excellence at all levels of Sacred Heart School.”

Father Joseph S. Corel, pastor in solidum of St. Vincent de Paul parish, said Mrs. Martin “has the qualities and skills we are looking for in our three-person administrative team to make a strong impact on our Catholic school now and moving us into the future following the good work of our Strategic Growth Plan.”

Mrs. Martin has been an educator for over 10 years, eight of which have been at Catholic schools. She received her early childhood certificate from the University of Central Missouri and State Fair Community College (2011) and her master’s in administration from William Woods University (2014). She holds certifications in Initial Missouri Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 3) and in Administration (K-8).

Mrs. Martin currently serves as principal at St. Andrew Catholic School in Tipton (2016-20).

She previously served as a preschool teacher at St. Helen Catholic School in Pearland, Texas (2015-2016); as an elementary teacher and art and music instructor for the Harrisburg School District (2012-14); and in early childhood at School of the Osage in Lake Ozark (2009-12).

“I am excited to start my new role as principal of Sacred Heart School,” she stated. “Challenges motivate me and I look forward to the opportunity to learn and grow with each (member of the community) spiritually and academically.

“It is my desire to see the students expand their faith as they grow into servant leaders of the community, seeking the best possible opportunities to glorify God and working together to uphold the traditions and culture of Sacred Heart, while also expanding on that in ways to improve the experience of the students and staff,” she said.

In addition to Mrs. Martin, Sacred Heart’s three-person leadership team includes the appointment of Dr. Mark Register from school administrator to president, with Sam Jones continuing in his role as dean of students.

Under this new leadership structure, Dr. Register’s key priorities as president will include spiritual leadership, operations, development, and building and grounds.

Mrs. Martin and Mr. Jones will focus on developing and implementing an effective educational agenda for continued faculty and student developmental success.

“We are excited to reach another major milestone in our strategic growth plan with the implementation of our new leadership model,” said Dr. Register. “The move better positions us to maximize operational sustainability and enhance our academic offerings.”

Dr. Register said another unique advantage will be that Mrs. Martin, Mr. Jones and he will all serve as teaching administrators, “which, we believe, enhances credibility as school leaders.”