After an extensive national search, John O’Connor IV has been appointed to serve as the next President of Cristo Rey Kansas City. The year-long search identified O’Connor as a leader with a strong commitment to Catholic education, deep connections to the Kansas City community, broad educational leadership experience and passion for the mission of Cristo Rey.
Currently, O’Connor serves as Principal of Christian Brothers High School, in Sacramento. A career educator, O’Connor’s Kansas City roots led to educational leadership roles as Principal of Archbishop O’Hara High School and St. Thomas More School.
“I am honored and excited to continue the excellent work started over a decade ago at Cristo Rey,” stated O’Connor. “The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth offered a great gift to this community in stepping forward to sponsor a Cristo Rey High School. Their service set Cristo Rey on a solid foundation, and I am dedicated to building upon their mission and vision.”
O’Connor holds a B.S. in Education from the University of Missouri and an M.A. in School Leadership from Baker University. His professional associations and certifications include: National Catholic Education Association; National Association of Secondary School Principals; and the Lasallian Association of Secondary School Chief Administrators.
“John clearly understands the mission of Cristo Rey to serve urban students with high economic need,” stated Steve Clifford, Chairman of the Cristo Rey Board of Trustees. “As a proven leader, he is well-equipped to move Cristo Rey forward and to engage the community in advancing the mission.”
“I am eager to share the story of Cristo Rey and to continue the great work begun by my predecessors, Sister Vickie Perkins and Dr. Kathleen Hanlon,” stated O’Connor.
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About Cristo Rey Kansas City
Cristo Rey Kansas City is a private, Catholic, college preparatory high school sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. As one of the 32 schools in the Cristo Rey Network, the school serves culturally diverse students with economic need. An innovative Corporate Work Study Program enables students to expand horizons while earning approximately half of the cost of education. With its first graduating class in 2010 and in each year thereafter, 100% of the school’s graduates have been accepted to college. Currently, the school serves 375 students - 52% Latino, 41% African-American, 3% Caucasian, 4% Asian and other ethnicities.