2011-2012 Education Council

Rob Mitchell is the representative for St. Augustine Parish in Reed. He serves as Chair for the Council. He and his wife, April, have five children.

Rob says, "Catholic Schools are one of the most important and critical missions of the Roman Catholic Church.  Our youth are indeed our future."

John Wright represents St. Stephen Cathedral parish. He serves as Vice-Chair and Chair of the Long Range Planning Committee. He and his wife, Kathy, have 5 children. Three are graduates and two are currently enrolled in OCS.

John says, "Today, the number one priority my wife and I have is to support the OCS and foster its success.  I can’t imagine any other charitable endeavor to be associated with and serve on its board."

Mike Mullican is the representative from St. Peter of Alcantara parish. He is the Chair of the Finance Committee. He and his wife, Heather, have children enrolled at OCS.

Mike had this to say about serving on the Council, "I appreciate the opportunity to serve as a parish representative on OCS Education Council.  I look forward to learning more about how the system operates and hopefully contribute and support ideas that encourage the long-term viability of the system."

Debbie Durbin is the representative from Precious Blood parish. Debbie serves as Secretary of the Council, the Bylaws & Policies Committee and the Elementary (K-6) School Cirriculum Committee.

Debbie and her husband, Tom, have three children enrolled in OCS. Debbie states, 'I am honored to represent my parish. I will do what I feel is in the best interest of everyone involved.'

Fr. Mark Buckner serves as the Priest Representative.

Jerry Goetz represents Blessed Mother Parish. He and his wife, Michelle, have three children in the Owensboro Catholic Schools. Jerry serves on the Finance Committee and the Elementary Athletic Committee.

Jerry says, "I grew up in the Catholic school system and appreciate the foundation it provided.   My children are currently in the Catholic schools and I plan, through my services on the board, to help the Catholic schools continue to grow, improve, and offer many opportunities and a great faith filled education to our children."

Jim Hartz represents St. Mary Magdalene Parish. Jim serves on the Elementary Athletic Committee and the High School/Middle School Athletic Advisory. Jim and his wife, Amy, have three sons enrolled in the Owensboro Catholic Schools.

Jim had this to say about his role on the Council, " I firmly believe in the Catholic School experience and decided that I wanted to be involved in the direction the school system is taking.  Being on the Education Council is an important part of bringing the Catholic schools experience back to my parish, and I am happy to help make the OCS system the best it can be."

Carolyn McCarty is the parish representative from St. Pius X. She and her husband, John, have been married for 35 years and have 4 children, all graduates of OCHS.

Carolyn says this about serving, "It is an honor to represent St. Pius on the OCS Education Council. I look forward to working with the Education Council members to further the education of our youth to reach their ultimate goal of the kingdom of heaven."

Bill James is the representative for St. Martin. He and his wife, Debbbie, have 3 children enrolled in OCS, Darcy, Wes and Will.

Bill said this about serving, "I am pleased Fr. Pete entrusted me with this opportunity to help pave the way for our children’s future. Owensboro Catholic schools played a major role in developing my core values and beliefs, and I want to have a role in providing this same experience for all children and families."

Jane Lovekamp is the representative for Sts Joseph and Paul parish. She and her husband, Chris, have 4 children; 2 are OCHS graduates and 2 are currently enrolled at OCS. Jane serves on the Long Range Planning Committee and the Bylaws and Policies Committee.

Jane said about serving on the Education Council, "Having our children attend schools that offer a positive Christian environment is of primary importance to my husband and me.  I hope to contribute in any way I can to the continued success of OCS."

is the representative for Immaculate Parish.

Mary Raley is the representative for St. Anthony's Parish. Mary serves on the High School and Middle School Curriculum Committee and the Enrollment Committee.

Catholic High is a family tradition. She was the first of thirteen children that her parents graduated from OC and now is the Mom of three Owensboro Catholic graduates:  Shane Nance, Lauren and Ashley Barna.  Her youngest daughter, Kara, is currently enrolled at OCS. 

Mary had this to say about serving on the Council, 'Catholic Schools taught me about goal setting, self improvement, respect, hard work and living up to the expectations that I had for myself and expectations others had for me. All those same “cultural” characteristics I experienced while attending grade school and high school are now, fortunately, still available to my children at  Owensboro Catholic Schools.

I hope my children continue this tradition with their children, my grandchildren.'

Bob/Lisa Knott is the representative for St. Elizabeth Parish (1 vote). They serve on the Building & Grounds Committee.

Both have graduated from OCS. We have two daughters who have also graduated from OCS, and currently have a daughter and son enrolled.

"We feel privileged to be able to serve on this committee. It is interesting to see the behind the scenes of OCS and to see how they overcome the challenges of running a private Catholic school. We feel stronger about our children getting a Catholic education now, than even when we first began to send them.