Buffalo, NY – St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute President Robert T. Scott, AFSC today announced the appointment of alumnus James Spillman as Principal. Spillman, who earned a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees from Boston College, brings more than 15 years of experience in education, having served as a principal, dean of students, campus minister, and teacher. He will assume the role on July 1, 2018.
“Jim is a dedicated, faith-filled, and innovative school leader,” stated Mr. Scott. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing him and his family since he was a student here, and I have no doubt that our Lasallian Catholic community will continue to thrive under his care.”
Spillman will join the school’s administrative team at the same time Dr. Christopher Fulco, Ed.D. assumes the role of President. Currently in his 48th year of service to the school, Mr. Scott announced his retirement in May 2017. Fulco accepted the position in December after a comprehensive national search.
Recently, current Principal Brother Christopher Belleman, FSC announced his decision to step down from the position as of June 30, but will remain an important member of the St. Joe’s community when he eagerly returns to the classroom full-time in the fall. After the announcement, Scott and Fulco worked closely throughout the process to select a new principal, and both agree Spillman is the right man.
“Already, my time spent with Jim has been both exciting and inspiring,” stated Fulco. “His varied and unique experiences in Catholic education combined with his academic and spiritual foundation from the halls of St. Joe’s make him an exceptional partner to join me in leadership service to the entire school community.”
For the past 8 years, Spillman has been the Principal of Blessed Sacrament School in Walpole, Massachusetts. His accomplishments during his tenure include directing strategic planning efforts aimed at developing a mission-driven vision for the school community; collaborating with faculty to enhance teaching and learning at all grade levels by emphasizing the development of 21st century skills; and enriching the spiritual life of the school community through an increased emphasis on faith development for all students, teachers, and families.
From 2002 to 2007, Spillman served as Campus Minister at Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, MA, an all-boys Catholic school of more than 900 young men. In addition to coordinating service experiences and encouraging students’ spiritual and personal development, he taught freshman and junior level theology classes. In 2007, he accepted the opportunity to serve on the leadership team as Dean of Students – a role he held until he moved to Blessed Sacrament in 2010. In his role as a dean, he coordinated the school’s disciplinary system, and worked closely with faculty on strategies to improve classroom management, student development, and instructional pedagogy.
“I am extremely humbled and honored to have the opportunity to return home to my alma mater – a school community that was so foundational in my own development as a young man,” stated Spillman. “I look forward to partnering with Dr. Fulco and the staff of SJCI to educate, form, and transform this new generation of St. Joe’s students.”