Downing Named New Head of School at McAuley

The McAuley community is pleased to announce that Margaret ‘Peg’ Downing, MAEd. has been named the new Head of School at Catherine McAuley High School in Portland. She succeeds Sister Edward Mary Kelleher who, since 1980, has served as Principal of the School and who will serve during the coming school year as Principal Emerita prior to her scheduled retirement in 2011.

Downing comes to Catherine McAuley from a successful administration and teaching career at St. Joseph’s Central High School, a co- ed college-preparatory school in Pittsfield, Massachusetts where she served her last ten years as principal. Prior to her appointment as principal, she chaired the school’s social studies and guidance departments and was involved in directing numerous extra-curricular activities and sports.

Downing earned a Masters Degree in Education Administration from Boston College and a B.A. in History with minors in Education and English from Trinity College in Burlington, Vermont.  She has also completed additional related coursework at St. Lawrence University, Harvard University Graduate School of Education and Loyola University of Chicago.

During her tenure as principal at St. Joseph’s, Downing continued its 100% college acceptance rate and significantly increased college financial aid and scholarships to graduating seniors. She also introduced online courses and AP classes for college credit at the school.

Downing is a former member and chairperson of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) visiting teams, responsible for periodically visiting and evaluating educational institutions and making recommendations on accreditation. She was involved with new teacher training in the Diocese of Springfield and was also a director of the religious education programs in that diocese.

In addition to her academic endeavors, Downing was involved with a number of community organizations, including the Berkshire United Way, The Trinity College Board of Trustees and the Citizen Scholarship Board.   She also inaugurated a number of programs to enhance the relationship of St. Joseph’s with the community through organized student services to community organizations and outreach through seminars and presentations with local business and civic leaders.