Mr. Schlereth has served in the capacity of principal at IHA since 2016. He has also previously served as vice principal from 2013 to 2016 and director of athletics from 2006 to 2013. Before joining the Immaculate Heart community, he taught in the Leonia Public Schools, where he began his career. Mr. Schlereth is an alumnus of Bergen Catholic High School, as well as William Paterson University, where he earned his B.A. degree in history and elementary education in 2004. He furthered his education at St. Peter’s University, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in educational leadership in 2013, followed by graduate study at Seton Hall University, where he is currently in pursuit of an Ed.D. in K-12 school administration. Mr. Schlereth will succeed IHA’s current president, Ms. Patricia Molloy, whose pending retirement was previously announced.

Mr. Schlereth will assume the vacancy created by the departure of current president, Ms. Patricia Molloy, who has graciously served IHA for forty-seven years. In the words of her successor, Ms. Molloy has been vital to the school’s success. “I am so grateful for Ms. Patricia Molloy’s mentorship, guidance, and friendship throughout my time at IHA,” he said. “I am humbled by the opportunity to continue her great work. It is hard to picture Immaculate Heart Academy without Ms. Molloy, but her legacy continues to influence so much in our school—from the challenging curriculum and the physical building to the traditional Catholic values and the distinctive culture of sisterhood for which IHA is so highly regarded. Ms. Molloy will be greatly missed, but she knows she will always have a home at Immaculate Heart.”

Speaking of his goals as incoming president, Mr. Schlereth said he looks forward to building upon the successes of our great school. “At IHA, we have an impressive student body, truly terrific families, a dedicated and mission-driven faculty and staff, and a strong and engaged alumnae community,” he noted. “We also possess a unique and wonderful culture of developing strong, empowered, faith-filled young women who are ready to face the challenges of our complex world, equipped with a set of strong Catholic values.” Mr. Schlereth said IHA has become a second home for him over the past fifteen years. “Our students’ many accomplishments, both in and out of the classroom, continue to impress and inspire me. They are the main motivation for anyone who works in our building, and their vitality and positive energy are contagious.” He said he is grateful for the opportunity to engage with IHA’s various constituencies and to dive more deeply into the external affairs of the school to ensure that IHA continues its position as a leader in all-girls Catholic education.

Along with the appointment of Mr. Schlereth, the Archdiocese announced that Miss Kerry Carroll’04 will fill the position of principal, also effective in July. Miss Carroll, who has been a member of the faculty since 2013 after graduating from IHA in 2004, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology and Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership, both from University of Notre Dame; a Juris Doctor degree from Columbia University School of Law; and a Master of Law with Merit from King’s College London. At Immaculate Heart, Miss Carroll served as a teacher of Social Studies, Latin, and Religious Studies before being named assistant principal for faculty and instruction in July 2019.

“It is a privilege to be selected as Immaculate Heart Academy’s next principal," Miss Carroll stated. "IHA has been my home since I first walked the halls as a freshman, and it was a blessing to join the community as a faculty member. As a student, I recognized how strong our sisterhood was and cherished the excellent education that I received. Now, I am continually impressed by our exceptional students, supportive families, and talented faculty.” Miss Carroll also noted that Ms. Molloy’s visionary leadership and dedicated service has left IHA in a strong position with a clear vision for the future.

Mr. Schlereth said he is proud and excited to partner with Miss Carroll and work closely with her to fulfill the mission of Immaculate Heart Academy. “I know Miss Carroll will do an exemplary job handling the day-to-day tasks of running IHA. As an intelligent, kind, successful, faithful, and devoted alumna of Immaculate Heart, she is the consummate role model for our students,” he said. “I look forward to continuing to join forces with Miss Carroll and Mrs. Alice Rogers, assistant principal of students, as we lead IHA thoughtfully and purposefully as a team.”

Speaking of the changes, Interim Superintendent of Schools Monsignor Thomas McDade said, “We could not be more pleased,” and added, “Mr. Schlereth and Miss Carroll are two examples of outstanding Catholic school servant leaders. Their commitment to mission, academic excellence, and social justice will be the distinguishing qualities in which IHA will thrive for years to come.”

Mr. Schlereth sends his sincerest thanks to Msgr. McDade for “the incredible opportunity to lead Immaculate Heart Academy and continue the tradition of excellence for which IHA is known.” Mr. Schlereth’s appointment is the result of collaboration between Msgr. McDade’s office and IHA’s Consultative Board, which had a Succession Subcommittee to provide its input. The subcommittee represented various constituencies in the school community and made recommendations to the Archdiocese of the qualifications they felt were important in a school president.