Michele Martinez, who has served as interim principal of Notre Dame High School since August, is the Lawrenceville school’s new permanent principal.
The announcement was made March 7 by Ken Jennings, school president.
“Ms. Martinez has served as an outstanding interim principal these past several months, and I am confident in her leadership as she becomes our permanent principal,” Jennings said. “Michele has already provided strategic guidance with the McAuley Studies learning program by initiating changes to better serve our students. Michele is a transformative leader who always thinks of ways Notre Dame can nurture our students academically, spiritually and emotionally.”
An experienced New Jersey educator for more than 30 years, Martinez’s experience included serving as vice principal of academic affairs at Camden Catholic High School before she arrived at Notre Dame. She holds an undergraduate degree in speech pathology and audiology with a minor in Spanish and a master’s degree in education/school leadership from Wilmington University in Delaware.
During her career, she held various leadership positions in education, including vice principal of academic affairs, high school vice principal of student activities and discipline, high school principal of alternative education, elementary school principal and district director of special education. She is a member of the N.J. Advisory Committee for Special Education. For the past several years, she has been an adjunct professor for graduate studies at Wilmington University in the fields of instruction, diagnostics/assessment, education and special education law as well as a mentor for N.J. administrators.
“I am honored to continue as the principal of Notre Dame High School,” Martinez said. “I am filled with profound gratitude for the opportunity to lead and guide a school so deeply rooted in the rich traditions of the Catholic mission, where faith and education are intertwined.”
Martinez said it was humbling to have the responsibility of “shaping the minds and hearts of our students, ensuring they receive an outstanding college preparatory education infused with strong Mercy core values.”
“The legacy of excellence and service that Notre Dame High School upholds inspires me to strive for continuous progression and innovation,” she said. “I am dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment of diversity and inclusion where every student can thrive academically, spiritually and personally.”
Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, diocesan superintendent of schools, expressed excitement over Martinez’s appointment.
“She is committed to building a team within the school that will add to the success and traditions that make Notre Dame High School such a vital educational resource for students in the western counties of the Diocese and even into Pennsylvania,” he said.
“The school has such a bright future with its leadership team,” he added. “I am excited to see the growth of the program continue.”
Martinez is a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, Gibbstown. She is the mother of four daughters and has three granddaughters.