Saint Peter Cathedral School will begin the next school year with a new principal, Father Joseph W. McQuaide IV, cathedral rector, announced May 14.
The school’s new leader is Karen L. Banta, a familiar face to students and staff at the downtown Catholic elementary school.
“Mrs. Banta needs no introduction to our school community,” Father McQuaide wrote in a letter to school stakeholders. “She has been an exemplary teacher at Sixth and Tatnall Streets for the past 21 years.
“Her classroom is a sanctuary for education and respect, and her students each year have grown as they learn and become better disciples of Christ. I look forward to Mrs. Banta sharing her unmistakable passion, many skills, and Spirit-filled joy beyond her classroom to our entire school.”
A resident of West Grove, Pa., Banta graduated from West Chester University with a degree in education.
Father McQuaide said Banta’s promotion means the school is “well poised to celebrate our 100th anniversary in our current building (next year) and our school’s 200th anniversary (in 2030).”
Banta officially starts her new job July 1.
