Lisa Montgomery has been named the new principal at SS. Philip & James Catholic School.

SS. Philip & James serves students from preschool through grade 8 and is part of Stark County Catholic Schools system. It was one of the first in Stark County to open its doors for five days a week, in-person learning on Aug. 18.

Under Montgomery’s leadership, the decision has been made to cap enrollment in order to make safety a top priority in the midst of COVID-19.

The school is accepting only 12 students per classroom.

Other steps include 6-foot social distancing marks and directional arrows to remind students of the new counter-clockwise pattern of movement around the building. New water-filling stations were installed to replace traditional drinking fountains, and “touchless” hand sanitizers have been installed.

Montgomery has taught at the school for more than 20 years. She is a graduate of the University of Akron, and previously taught at Green Local Schools and in Northbrook, Ill.

Over the summer, the school’s Wi-Fi bandwidth speed was increased, allowing for a faster connection and better support for new online teaching opportunities.

Each year, the school consistently has test scores that are above local, state, and national averages, Montgomery notes.

There are a few remaining spots left. Scholarships are available. Families of all faiths are welcome.