The Diocese of Knoxville and Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga are excited to announce that Kyle Schmitt has been hired as the new president of NDHS.
He will begin his duties in July.
Mr. Schmitt succeeds George Valadie, who announced his retirement in January after eight years as Notre Dame’s president.
"Bishop Stika and I are thrilled to have Kyle as our new president,” said Dr. Sedonna Prater, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Knoxville. “This is an important position and Kyle stood out amongst all of the candidates we interviewed. His background in education, leadership skills, and his fresh approach in dealing with Catholic educational issues made him the right choice for us."
Mr. Schmitt has extensive experience in education and was most recently the principal of St. Francis de Sales School in Lake Zurich, Ill., a position he held from 2017-2021.
"I understand and appreciate that tradition and history are very important to the Notre Dame High School community,” Mr. Schmitt said. “During my visit to Chattanooga, I met with many Notre Dame students, parents, and educators. From these discussions, I know that they also care deeply about the future of the school and want to partner with the new president to build on their history in a positive way."
Mr. Schmitt received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and philosophy from the University of Chicago in 2009. He also holds two master’s degrees in education and has an educational specialist's degree in administration.
Mr. Schmitt received Academic Dean’s List and National Merit Scholar honors in college and was an All-American student-athlete nominee and an all-conference baseball player at the University of Chicago.
Mr. Schmitt, his wife, Anelia, daughters Holly, 9, Emma, 6, and newborn twins Meredith and Jack will arrive in Chattanooga sometime in mid-June.
Read a letter from Dr. Sedonna Prater announcing the hiring of Mr. Schmitt.