Dr. Daniel Everett, who holds wide breadth of experience in Catholic education, appointed president/principal

COLUMBIA – Bishop W. Shawn McKnight announced today the appointment of Dr. Daniel Everett as president/principal of Fr. Augustine Tolton Regional Catholic High School, effective July 1.

Dr. Everett holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from Pepperdine University and a master’s degree in philosophy from Loyola Marymount University. He has served in a wide variety of roles in Catholic schools, most recently as interim head of school for St. Anne School in Laguna Niguel, California. He has also been the vice principal of curriculum and innovation and the director of service at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, California; and he has taught English, math, philosophy and theology in Catholic schools in southern California.  He and his family currently live in Orange County, California, which comprises the Diocese of Orange.

“Dr. Everett’s wide-ranging experience will enable him to assist Tolton High School continue its trajectory of growth and improved excellence,” Bishop McKnight said. “Among other expertise, he has experience in curriculum development, moving a school into a digital-centric mode, strengthening Catholic identity and overseeing a Catholic school serving a diverse and rapidly evolving community. I am delighted we are able to place an individual of his caliber as president/principal of Fr. Tolton Catholic High School.”

“I am inspired by Bishop McKnight’s vision for Catholic education,” said Dr. Everett. “I am looking forward to this coming school year and to serving the students, families, faculty, and staff of Tolton Catholic. Everyone that I have met so far has been very welcoming, and I am happy to have a community like Tolton to soon call home.”

Partners in Mission, a search firm, worked with a committee comprised of Father Chris Cordes, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes; Kenya Fuemmeler, interim Superintendent of Catholic Schools; Jill McIntosh, interim president of Tolton; Chuck Register, faculty representative, and Jay Burchfield, advisory board president in the selection process.

The Fr. Augustine Tolton Regional Catholic High School, known as Fr. Tolton Catholic High School, develops students in spirit, heart, mind, and body, providing a rigorous academic program and expansive extracurricular offering in a Christ-centered environment. The school, which opened its doors in 2011, currently has 252 students in grades nine through 12. The school is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City, which includes 38 counties in northeastern and central Missouri and is led by Bishop McKnight.

CONTACT: Helen Osman
Diocese of Jefferson City Communication Office
hosman@diojeffcity.org | 573.635.9127 or 512.785.3006

Good morning,

Bishop McKnight has just signed a formal decree closing all Catholic schools through April 30. He cites the critical need to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

It is the duty and calling of Catholic schools to ensure the healthy formation – body, mind, and soul – of all students entrusted to our care. At times of national and international crisis, it is our call to serve our local counties, the State of Missouri and the United States by assisting authorities and contributing to the common good.

Unfortunately, with a formal decree suspending the public celebration of the liturgy and devotions, our school must remain closed through April 30, with all extracurricular activities canceled/postponed as well through that date.

Tolton Catholic will still observe Easter Break from Holy Thursday through Easter Monday. Students should take a break from learning during this time and return to their online school work on April 14^th.

Bishop McKnight encourages families and individual to pray at home especially the Liturgy of the Hours, the Scriptures, the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, which can all be found on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Website; and to participate spiritually in sacred celebrations live-streamed from the Holy See (the Vatican), our Cathedral, or their local parish churches. The Jefferson City Diocese website has links and information on masses and celebrations, or visit parish Facebook pages for up to date information.

Bishop McKnight is also actively working with diocesan staff to prepare for the consequences of a decline in donations to our parishes and schools.  On average, parishes receive 86% of their revenue from tithing by parishioners, which ultimately helps support our school; the inability to gather for Masses can have significant economic implications.  Please continue to give financially to the best of your ability to your parish, as teachers and administrators are working diligently with online learning.

All faculty and staff remain committed to returning emails within 24 hours Monday-Friday.  Please continue to reach out to us with whatever needs and questions arise.  We are here to help.

As the situation changes, we will continue to keep you updated.

God bless you,

Jill McIntosh                     Gwenn Roche

Interim President             Principal