St. Vincent De Paul College Prep Announces New Lease, Long-Term Funding and New Principal

Fresh Restart for 106-year-old School Serving North Bay & Marin County

PETALUMA, Calif., June 6, 2024 (Newswire.com) - It’s a bright new chapter for St. Vincent de Paul College Prep (SV), as the new iteration of the high school announces its formal start on June 1st and has entered a long-term lease with the parish and diocese. Located in Petaluma, the school serves students from across the North Bay, including Marin County, where 40% of its students reside; news of the lease agreement comes as a great relief for the students, parents, and communities who value this celebrated school. Learn more: www.svhs-pet.org or contact the SV Board at [email protected], (707) 763-1032 ext. 130, 849 Keokuk St. Petaluma, CA 94952.

“Being an independent Catholic school brings us more opportunity,” says Lisa Lichty, board member and parent. “We maintain everything that has been a positive part of our culture — academics, sports, and more — while overcoming the major challenges faced over the past several years. The new model of a board-led school, working with school administration allows us to be creative and pivot quickly to meet our needs and build strong academic and cultural programs.” There is a tremendous amount of community support for this new independent entity - now the institution’s traditions can be safeguarded, nurturing students and encouraging them to become productive and responsible citizens. 

New Funding Secured

Operating a parochial school has become far more complicated in recent decades. Starting an independent school model provides for more resources to support management and financial needs. At St. Vincent, this means relying on myriad fundraising efforts as well as support from the board, alumni, and the greater community.

This year’s fundraising programs have shown great success, and the school is already well on its way to meeting its goals. SV is a special resource in Sonoma and Marin counties, and this fresh start provides a solid base for the new board and staff to ensure the school continues to grow and provide a unique learning environment.

Lichty says, “It’s amazing that we have been able to transition this school in such a short amount of time. The sizable donations and other support (we have experienced) make it clear how passionate our community is about the value that SV brings.

Principal Mike Casper will officially start on July 1. Born and raised in Marin County (where he attended St. Isabella School and Marin Catholic), he boasts a long career with the Novato Unified School District and Marin Office of Education. Casper is an experienced educator and administrator who understands parochial education. “SV has gone through changes over the past year, but student registration continues to climb as demand for our services remains high. I want to thank our board and generous alumni for their continued support.”

Novato-based student Jack Ellis, a member of SV’s 2023 state champion football team, says, "I'm excited about the future for SV. Throughout my years here, I've felt very supported to do my best while supporting others to do the same. Coming off a state championship, I can't wait to see what my teammates and I can achieve together next year!"

SVDP will now operate as an independent Catholic school approved by the Diocese of Santa Rosa. Commitment to a faith-based experience, framed by Catholic social teachings instilling the tenets of faith, service and leadership, remains a cornerstone of the curriculum. Students will continue to celebrate Mass at St. Vincent de Paul, and the campus will continue its valuable partnership with St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School.

Contact Information:
Jenny Kaplan
JKPR
[email protected]
415-342-2209


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