The Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, has approved and appointed Joseph French as President of Stark County Catholic Schools. French replaces Rev. Donald King who has held the position since 2022 and who plans to return to retirement.
Most recently, Mr. French was chief executive officer of Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health in Stark County. He earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Kent State University and a master's degree in early childhood education from Ashland University. French is a Louisville High School graduate and a parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish in Canton. Last year, French received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Kent State University at Stark.
As President of Stark County Catholic Schools, Joseph French will provide leadership for Central Catholic High School, serving grades 9-12 in Canton, and St. Thomas Aquinas High School, serving grades 6-12 in Louisville. He is responsible for identifying the strengths and opportunities for each school.
French says it's an honor to join the Diocese of Youngstown and continue his work with students in Stark County. He shares, "It is truly a blessing to join the Stark County Catholic Schools team. I am thrilled to be able to serve in a role that combines my passion for our community, youth, and faith. I am dedicated to making sure our youngest citizens have a quality education with an emphasis on servant leadership."
Stark County Catholic High Schools is a collaborative system within the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, with one board of directors, that oversees Central Catholic High School and St. Thomas Aquinas High School & Middle School. Both schools offer small class sizes, personalized learning, a family atmosphere, and a faith-focused environment. For more than 160 years, collaboratively, these schools have provided academic excellence, with the highest test scores in the county, outstanding athletic teams, arts, and student organizations, boasting a 99% student engagement rate, and opportunities for moral character building. Central Catholic and St. Thomas Aquinas families receive $5 million in scholarships, grants, and tuition assistance each year, making a high-quality Catholic education affordable for every family. For more information, visit CatholicEducationIsAffordable.org.