From the Board Chair: A Year of Growth & Opportunity

Message from John Toohig, Chair SAA-SDS Board of Trustees 

It is a privilege to serve our school as Chair of the Board of Trustees, and I am grateful to be part of such an exciting time in the life of St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School. As we settle into the 2026-27 school year, we have much to celebrate and even more to anticipate. 

This is a particularly meaningful year as we celebrate the school’s 175th anniversary and welcome new leadership.  Over the past two months, we have experienced the energy and enthusiasm Dr. Shannon Gomez brings to St. Agnes-St. Dominic. September 2 was a special day for our  school community as we formally commissioned her as our President.

The commissioning was a beautiful reminder of the responsibility we share to honor the legacy entrusted to us by the Dominican Sisters while carrying it forward for a new generation. I look forward to working with Dr. Gomez as we build on all that has been accomplished before us and embrace the opportunities ahead.

And, what a wonderful opportunity we have in front of us as we move forward with the Athletic Fieldhouse. We are incredibly grateful to the Smith Family for bringing us one step closer to making this vision a reality. We hope everyone will share in the excitement as we work together to reach the $2 million goal needed to complete the Fieldhouse which will serve every student, from our littlest Stars and Suns to Varsity athletes.

Later this month, we will welcome the SAIS accreditation team to campus. The accreditation process, which takes place every five years, gives us a chance to step back and reflect on what we do well, celebrate the incredible work of our faculty and staff, and think thoughtfully about where we want to go next. It is an important opportunity to look at our schools with fresh eyes and continue building on the strong foundation we have.

Serving on the Board is both an honor and a responsibility, and I want to recognize the Board members whose terms have recently ended. Travis LeMonte, David Scully and Beth Weems Bradley have each given a tremendous amount of time, energy and wisdom to our school, and I am grateful for the difference they have made. Board service is a significant commitment, and we are fortunate to have people who are willing to share their experience and talents for the good of SAA–SDS.

We are also pleased to welcome Ashley Bruno and John Goode to the Board. Ashley has already graciously taken on a significant leadership role, joining former trustee David Scully as co-chair of the public phase of the campaign to complete the Fieldhouse. Adding John Goode to the board further strengthens our relationship with our friends down the road at Christian Brothers High School. His deep experience leading a high school will bring another valuable perspective and sounding board for Dr. Gomez in her early months here at St. Agnes-St. Dominic.

While we each bring different strengths and backgrounds to the Board, we are united by how much we care about the school, our students, and the mission that guides us. I am grateful to serve alongside such a dedicated group of people.

On a personal note, for my family this year feels especially meaningful. I have two daughters enrolled at SAA, and my oldest is beginning her senior year. I know firsthand how quickly these school years go, and I am looking forward to celebrating the milestones, enjoying the everyday moments, and making the most of this year with them.

There is so much ahead, and I cannot wait to see where this year takes us.