CHICAGO (November 15, 2000)

Sr. Judith A. Cauley, C.S.J., and Janet Sisler have been appointed as interim co-superintendents of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Chicago, effective December 1, replacing Dr. Elaine Schuster, who announced her resignation as superintendent earlier this year. The appointment was announced by Jimmy Lago, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Both Sr. Cauley and Sisler, who have served as associate superintendents of Catholic schools for the past year, will be overseeing the administration of the Office of Catholic Schools until the Archdiocese finds a replacement for Dr. Schuster. She is leaving to become the chief executive officer of the Chicago-based Golden Apple Foundation in January. Sr. Cauley will be specifically responsible for service teams that administer externally funded programs and Catholic school advancement. Sisler will be responsible for service teams that oversee evangelization, catechesis and education quality.

The Archdiocese has developed a comprehensive process to find a new superintendent. This will include a nationwide search.

With more than 35 years of experience in Catholic education, Sr. Cauley joined the Archdiocese as assistant superintendent in 1998
after serving as superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Colorado Springs for three years and associate superintendent for the Archdiocese of Denver the previous three years. Sr. Cauley also spent more than 20 years in various administrative positions in high schools and elementary schools in Ohio. She earned a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in education from St. John College, Cleveland. Sr. Cauley completed a three-year, post-graduate program in leadership and management at The Gestalt Institute, Cleveland.

Sisler has worked in the Catholic school system of the Archdiocese of Chicago for the past 20 years, and has served in administrative positions for the past 12 years. She has been a religious education consultant, high school consultant, assistant superintendent of Catholic schools and, most recently, associate superintendent of Catholic schools. Sisler has earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Mundelein College, Chicago, and holds a master of education in research and policy analysis from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

The interim co-superintendents replace Dr. Schuster, who has served the nation’s largest non-public school system as superintendent since January 1991.

During her tenure, Dr. Schuster was a guiding force on the Special Task Force on Catholic Schools, sharing responsibility for shaping initiatives for the fiscal viability of schools, developing a marketing plan and initiating development efforts. She also played an influential role in persuading the Illinois legislature to make the state one of the few to offer parents a tax credit for educational expenses such as private school tuition.

Under her leadership, the Office of Catholic Schools instituted a school improvement process, technology supported curriculum, and a school advancement design that includes systemic planning, communication systems and viability initiatives.

In addition she has given active support to the implementation of professional development programs for Catholic school educators in doctrine, theology and catechesis, faith development, including anti-racism programs.

Dr. Schuster supported efforts for the development and construction of the first new high school in the archdiocese in 37 years – Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, built and sponsored by the Jesuits – and the first elementary school in 33 years – Cardinal Bernardin School, Orland Hills. More than 50 schools have expanded existing facilities; 10 expansion projects are currently under way.

Dr. Schuster is credited with building bridges between Catholic and public school leaders in the city and the state.

In Dr. Schuster’s honor, Mayor Richard M. Daley has proclaimed Nov. 17, 2000, to be Dr. Elaine Schuster Day in Chicago.

The Archdiocesan Association of Principals will hold a special farewell dinner and reception Nov. 17 at Drury Lane Oakbrook. Presentations will be made from the Mayor’s and Governor’s Office, the National Catholic Education Association and the United States Department of Education.

Dr. Schuster will begin as the chief executive officer of the Chicago-based Golden Apple Foundation in January. Schuster has served on their board of directors since 1991.