Guerin taps experienced leader to head school

NOBLESVILLE -- Rick Wagner said he needs to find out if he can be a principal, and Guerin High School will give him that chance.

He'll become principal of the Catholic school beginning June 1.

The 47-year-old Lawrence Township man is passionate about education and developing students who want to be leaders.

"One of the things I like about the Guerin community is its emphasis on service and campus ministry-type activities. It only enhances what goes on in the classroom," he said.

Wagner wants parents and students to know it's his desire to serve. "I want to do the best for the community."

For three years, he has been executive director of Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House in Lawrence Township. Before that, he was an administrator, teacher and coach in Catholic secondary education for 13 years.

Wagner will replace Keith Marsh, who announced in January that he would resign as principal at the end of the school year to pursue other business opportunities.

The 3-year-old Catholic school is a perfect fit for him, said Wagner, who was impressed with Guerin's thorough search and an interview process that he called exhausting. In one day in April, he had eight 50-minute interviews with students, faculty, parents, pastors, grade-school principals and a governing board.

Deborah Wood, chairwoman of the school's principal search committee, called Wagner "a passionate Catholic leader with extensive experience and achievements in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. He will be an outstanding principal and spiritual leader for our school community."

The school's strong Catholic identity and age impressed Wagner, who was offered the position May 1.

The 1978 Bishop Chatard High School graduate sees much opportunity for development by continuing the work the school has started. Wagner hopes to help Guerin establish some of its own traditions and "decide what direction to go ahead."

His first commitment is Saturday, when he and his wife, Carol, will attend the school's fundraising gala at the Ritz Charles in Carmel. The middle of next week, he begins one-on-one meetings with faculty. A Guerin baseball game and tennis match also are on his itinerary.

Though the former football and track coach won't be coaching, Wagner will provide input for hiring Guerin's new athletic director, a position that has been open since Eric Anderson resigned a month ago.