In February, the Diocese of Burlington, which oversees Mount St. Joseph Academy in Rutland, formed a search committee to identify the next school leader, as current the principal, Mike Alexander, had announced he would be retiring at the end of school year.

Following a two-month process of reviewing applications and interviewing qualified applicants, the diocese, under the leadership of Bishop-elect John McDermott, diocesan administrator, is pleased to announce that current Mount St. Joseph Academy Vice Principal Michael Audette will be the new principal beginning with the 2024-2025 school year.

Audette first joined the Mount St. Joseph faculty in 2006 as a religious studies teacher and director of religion/campus ministry. He also taught U.S. history, world geography, and cultures from 2008 to 2020. Through his work with the school, he has helped hundreds of students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Catholic faith. For the past two years, he has also served as vice principal.

“Mr. Alexander’s mentorship has equipped me with the necessary skills to lead the school going forward. Overall, I believe that my experience as a classroom teacher and administrator, my long involvement in Catholic education and faith formation, and my dedication to the Mount St. Joseph Academy community will make me an effective principal and leader of the academy community,” Audette said. “As part of my classroom experience and involvement in curriculum development, I am proud to have been a part of maintaining our commitment to a strong traditional education and grading model that prepares our students for the rigors of college academics as well as the requirements and responsibilities of the working world.”

David Young, superintendent of Catholic schools for the diocese, thanked Alexander for his five years of leadership as principal of Mount St. Joseph Academy, saying he contributed to the growth of the school, built strong Rutland community relationships, and provided critical guidance to the school during the pandemic.

Mount St. Joseph Academy is a Catholic, state-approved secondary school. The academy is “A Place to Belong” that welcomes all students and provides a quality education based on Catholic Christian principles. As an academic community its main goal is to educate the whole person through intensive curricular, co-curricular, and athletic programs. The academy invites all students to share their gifts and talents for the betterment of the community and the world and believes in the principles of compassion and justice. Mount St. Joseph believes in creating a religious and moral environment where young people grow to a faith-filled, Catholic Christian maturity that helps them to achieve personal wholeness and provide effective service to others.