Cristo Rey Network Announces Chief Academic Officer

The Cristo Rey Network announced today that Elizabeth Goettl will become the organization's Chief Academic Officer starting July 1, 2009.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) January 8, 2009 -- The Cristo Rey Network announced today that Elizabeth Goettl will become the organization's Chief Academic Officer starting July 1, 2009.

The Cristo Rey Network helps establish new Cristo Rey high schools, oversees a training program for school leaders, ensures that schools are adhering to Cristo Rey's Mission Effectiveness Standards, and fosters the sharing of best practices among the member schools.

"We're delighted to have Elizabeth on board," said Robert J. Birdsell, President & CEO of the Cristo Rey Network. "Elizabeth has been an inspirational leader as President of San Miguel High School, a Cristo Rey Network School, in Tucson, Arizona and will continue to inspire all Cristo Rey Network schools in her role as Chief Academic Officer to support the educational enrichment of the 22 Cristo Rey Network schools."

Ms. Goettl will be in charge of all academic related initiatives of the Cristo Rey Network central office, including the Cristo Rey Network's new educational enrichment initiative, and educational conferences and trainings for the 22 member schools.

Prior to joining the Cristo Rey Network, Ms. Goettl was President of San Miguel High School, a Cristo Rey Network school. Prior to that, Ms. Goettl was Assistant Superintendent for the Catalina Foothills School District and a school principal for 17 years. She also brings ten years of classroom teaching experience to the position.

"There can be no stronger moral imperative than closing the gap between high and low achievers in K-12 education in the United States," said Goettl. "Raising the bar and providing access to quality, Catholic education for those who traditionally have not had access is essential. The Cristo Rey Network can lead the way as a beacon of hope to the many young people who, because of their family income, have not had access to top quality education."

About Cristo Rey
Cristo Rey Network schools provide a Catholic, college preparatory education to economically challenged young people in urban communities. In 2008-2009, 22 schools serve more than 5,003 students. Ninety-five percent of Cristo Rey students are racial minorities; 34 percent are African American and 55 percent are Latino. The schools educate students of all faiths and cultures; this year 37 percent of Cristo Rey students are not Catholic. Ninety-nine percent of the Network's 2008 graduates were accepted in a two or four year college and, through their work-study jobs, students earned more than $24M toward their tuition. For more information visit: www.cristoreynetwork.org.

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