New principal selected for Central Catholic High School

Central Catholic High School students will be greeted next school year by a new principal.

John Wallace will be the first lay person to be the top administrator at the school in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood in its nearly 100-year existence.

Wallace’s appointment by Bishop David Zubik is effective July 1. He replaces interim principal Kevin Sheridan.

“I am wholeheartedly committed to upholding and enhancing the Catholic, Lasallian mission of Central Catholic and I am looking forward to collaborating with the mission-driven men and women of 4720 Fifth Avenue to continue to make Central Catholic a place where young men come to develop their intellectual competence, conscience, compassion and a commitment to doing God’s work in the world,” said Wallace. “I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to Central Catholic’s rich history of forming ‘men of faith, scholarship, and service.’”

The school conducted a national search for its principal and sought the input of the school community, including students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni.

“Of particular importance is your desire to serve the Catholic mission and identity of our schools,” Zubik said in a statement. “The strengthening and sustaining of our Catholic schools and their Catholic identity is of the highest importance for the future of our church.”

Central Catholic President Matthew J. Stoessel believes Wallace is the right person to lead the school into the future.

“After a thorough search process, we are confident that Mr. Wallace is prepared to enthusiastically embrace the school’s Catholic Lasallian mission to continue the tradition of and foster a sense of brotherhood and community among the students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni,” said Stoessel, a 1995 graduate of the school. “He brings a clear commitment to Catholic education and an understanding of the unique student experience at an all-boys Catholic school.”

Wallace served as the dean of student affairs at Jesuit Preparatory School of Dallas prior to coming to Pittsburgh.

Jesuit Dallas is one of the largest all boys’ Catholic high schools in the country with an enrollment of nearly 1,200 students and more than 200 faculty and staff.

Central Catholic’s enrollment was last listed at 712 students with 59 faculty members, seven Christian Brothers and five school counseling staff, according to its 2023-24 school profile.