Erin Faetanini VM86 named St. Vincent-St. Mary High School Principal

Following an extensive, months-long search, Faetanini emerged as the clear choice to take the helm at her alma mater. Her resume is impressive. Faetanini's successful leadership approach combines a strong commitment and respect for the Catholic culture and traditions of the school as well as a commitment to innovations that prepare students for the future.

While she was at St. Barnabas, the school's enrollment grew 15% to 489 students, making it one of the largest Catholic elementary schools in Summit County. She strengthened academic rigor, increased standardized test scores, and positioned St. Barnabas to apply for their second National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award. Additionally, Faetanini has provided strong leadership for approximately 40 certified staff and 25 support staff, maintaining an outstanding 98% retention rate of employees.

During her time at St. Barnabas, she helped to raise over $4 million for projects that include a state-of-the-art STEM lab, an Outdoor Learning Lodge, and numerous other campus renovations. A skilled collaborator, Faetanini has created numerous opportunities for constituents to invest their skills and strengths to work together toward clear goals and a shared vision for St. Barnabas, which is a thriving school with a reputation as one of the best Catholic grade schools in the area.

She holds a master's degree in Educational Administration from Ursuline College and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Akron. She is continuing to hone her leadership skills through participation in the two-year Catholic Principal Leadership Program at the University of Notre Dame.& Faetanini and her husband of 33 years, John, are active members of St. Hilary Parish, where she previously taught sixth grade and served as interim assistant principal. Faetanini has deep roots in the Irish community. Many of her family members are STVM alumni, including her parents, the late Jim Burdon, who was named an honorary alumnus in 2017, and Patty Dyer Burdon M69, both of whom dedicated countless hours of leadership and service to STVM. Her brothers Christopher VM88 and Joe VM96, and sister Jamie Burdon Vignali VM94, are alumni, and so are her sons: Sal VM12, Joe VM15, Ross VM17, and John VM20, and daughter Gia Faetanini Sickels VM14.

According to the Search Advisory Committee Chair Suzy Hadley-McBrayer VM89, "Erin's background as a Catholic school leader, learner, and parent makes her uniquely qualified. She fully understands the challenges and opportunities that define the landscape of Catholic education today. She is a proven leader who brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her new role at STVM."

"I am thrilled to have Erin join us as principal at STVM. She has a proven track record as a leader in Catholic education and her love and passion for the Irish community make her a perfect fit for the school" said STVM President Mark Butterworth.

Regarding her new role, Faetanini says "I'm excited to roll up my sleeves and get to work building upon the great things that are happening at STVM. I look forward to working with the amazing faculty, staff, students, parents, and alumni to build on the excellence and tradition of the Fighting Irish and to carry our Catholic, Marianist mission and vision into the future. There's so much to be excited about s great to come home!"

Faetanini's contract officially begins July 1, 2024, but you can expect to see her on campus and in the community making connections and learning all she can to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Be Your Best - Be Irish!