St. Mary Catholic Schools has promoted Kelly Beisenstein-Weiss, Ph.D., to senior director of academic excellence.

In her new role, Beisenstein-Weiss, who has served as SMCS director of admissions since 2017, will collaborate with the SMCS senior leadership team, principals and academic excellence committee to lead the development and implementation of curricular programming and materials, coordinate staff professional development and oversee Student Services, Accelerated Learning Academy, Instructional Technology, Fine and Visual Arts and the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP) at SMCS.

“We are excited to have Kelly in the role of senior director of academic excellence. Kelly has been a part of the SMCS team for four years and has developed strong relationships with staff, students and families in her role with admissions,” SMCS Superintendent Tim Schigur, Ph.D., said. “With Kelly’s commitment to excellence and dedication to SMCS, we are excited about the direction she will provide and support in this expanded and new role.”

This dedicated role will help ensure the highest standards of instructional practices, student achievement and academic excellence are consistent, enhanced and supported throughout the school community. Beisenstein-Weiss will continue to support admissions work as she transitions into her new role through the current academic year.

“I am honored by this opportunity to serve as the senior director of academic excellence for St. Mary Catholic Schools,” Beisenstein-Weiss said. “Student learning, growth and success are my passions, and I look forward to working with our administrators, teachers and staff to ensure their professional development and success as well.”

Beisenstein-Weiss, who is an SMCS alumna, earned her doctorate degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in educational leadership and policy analysis/curriculum and instruction and kinesiology. She earned her master’s degree in kinesiology also from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and computer applications from the University of Notre Dame.

Beisenstein-Weiss joins Superintendent Tim Schigur, Senior Director of Operations Jaime Frink, Senior Director of Strategic Advancement Beth Knapinski and Director of Human Resources Chelsey Kind on the SMCS senior leadership team, which leads the strategic and operational vision for the Pre3-12^th grade school community, in partnership with school principals and in support of more than 150 staff members.