By Dan Sullivan
Catholic Herald

Principal's job seen as new challenge

RICE LAKE -- After spending almost 30 years working in an education environment as a guidance counselor, Mark Marsh is no stranger to a school. As the new principal at St. Joseph School in Rice Lake, Marsh is a new face in the building and is looking forward to really getting started in this career change.

Although Marsh spent most of his career in a public school setting, he is familiar with Catholic education, having both attended and worked in Catholic schools.

"The 28 years I worked as a school counselor was enjoyable," Marsh said. "Doing the same thing for 28 years, there were still challenges, but I wanted to be really challenged."

Although Marsh sought different work challenges, he wanted his career path to remain in education. "One of the ways to be challenged in education is to go into administration," he said.

Although Marsh lived as a youth in Minocqua, where his family attended the former Our Lady of the Universe Parish in Woodruff, they relocated and he graduated from the former Campion High School, which was a Jesuit run school in Prairie du Chien, Wis. He also briefly attended the seminary for the Diocese of Green Bay.

Marsh holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in guidance counseling, both from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. To further qualify him for his new position, he completed a specialist degree in educational leadership, from Minnesota-based Winona State University.

Although the halls of St. Joseph School are currently empty for summer recess, Marsh is eager to begin the new school year. "I'm looking forward to meeting all of the students, parents and teachers," he said. "Schools are exciting, they're vibrant."

With any new job come challenges and being a principal at a Catholic school is no exception. "There is always a financial challenge, but our enrollment seems to be going up a bit and that's encouraging," Marsh said. "In the first year it will be a challenge to stay on top of things. Having never been a principal before, I am finding out what a principal does day in and day out."

Marsh said he is fortunate to have Sr. Claudine Balio, SSJ TOSF, the school's former principal, remain on staff. "That's going to be a very positive support system," he said. "I've already picked her brain."

Marsh had a chance to meet students, parents and staff during an ice cream social held in his honor. He has also met St. Joseph Parish staff, including its pastor, Fr. James Powers.

Marsh has attended Mass at St. Joseph Church and is attempting to familiarize himself with the numerous surrounding parishes that send children to the school.

Marsh also attended a recent diocese sponsored catechist workshop in Spooner and was able to meet other Catholic school personnel.

He is excited to be able to return to the Diocese of Superior. "I enjoy the north woods and love the forest," Marsh said. "Returning here is a treat."

Marsh relocated to Rice Lake just over a month ago and is currently living with his aunt and uncle, Shirley and Robert Pociask. Meanwhile, Marsh's wife, Donna, has chosen to remain at their home in Wauzeka, Wis., and the pair will commute between the two places. The couple's children are grown.

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2004