Dr. C. Charles LeBlanc has been named the first President of the Tyler Catholic School System.

Creation of the new position of President of the Tyler Catholic School System is in response to recommendations made after an extensive long-range strategic planning effort conducted by Meitler Consultants, Inc.

Dr. LeBlanc, set to begin July 1, 2008, will assume the responsibilities as head of the Tyler Catholic School System, consisting of St. Gregory Catholic Elementary and Bishop T. K. Gorman Catholic School.

Dr. LeBlanc was the President of Marquette Catholic High School in Alton, Illinois from 1992 to 1996. He is a former Principal of Notre Dame High School in Crowley, Louisiana, as well as former Superintendent of Mecklenburg Schools in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. LeBlanc is currently the Superintendent for the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Dallas and the Diocese of Tyler.

Dr. LeBlanc has a BA in Philosophy from St. John Seminary and a Masters in Divinity from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. His Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership is from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Strategic Plan, facilitated by Meitler Consultants and completed in December of 2007, encouraged the implementation and hiring of a position of President for the 2008-2009 school year. The President will report to the Rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, who is the Canonical Administrator and has final authority for the Tyler Catholic School System.

The Principals of the schools within the system will report to the President. The new President of the Tyler Catholic School System will be responsible for the overall administration of the system, including: promoting unity, consistency, and collaboration among the components of the system, developing public relations, implementing development activities and the Strategic Plan, as well as working with the Pastor and Advisory Council, to insure compliance with Diocesan and state educational policies.

Integral to the development of the position of President is the goal of strengthening the operation of the two schools as a single system with a common mission, vision, and philosophy, with consistent policies understood and supported by the entire school community.

In accepting the position as President, Dr. LeBlanc indicated his underlying philosophy that, “Parents are called to make saints of their children.” He believes, “Catholic schools have a special opportunity to nurture youngsters, and at the same time encourage parents, grandparents, and guardians to a true appreciation of sainthood and to a reality of service to others.” Dr. LeBlanc indicates that, “The first year will be one in which we see progress towards unity of the parts of the system.” Dr. LeBlanc will remain the Superintendent for the Diocese of Tyler.