Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School in Buffalo has appointed Michele Battin to serve as the school's newest principal, effective July 1. The high school made the appointment as part of an ongoing transition in leadership model for the historic school.

"My focus, as the principal, will be to develop a curriculum that reflects the Middle States' improvement objectives, implement and evaluate school-wide academic improvement goals, and assist with academic objectives," Battin commented.

Battin began at Timon at the beginning of the 1995-96 year as an English teacher. She has taught English 11 Regents, Advanced Placement Language and Composition, English 10 Honors, and Publications, a class that is responsible for designing the school's yearbook, literary magazine and newspaper. She previously taught U.S. history and electives.

Battin received a master's degree in school administration in 2012 and took on a leadership role in the Middle States Accreditation process. She will oversee and coordinate the school's improvement planning process and its development of a plan that will enable growth in student performance and preparation of Timon's midterm report.

Earlier this year, the school's board of trustees initiated a president-principal model of leadership at Bishop Timon-St. Jude, resulting in the board selecting Kevin P. McLaughlin as president in April. McLaughlin worked with a subcommittee of school officials to choose Battin for the position. She will continue to work with McLaughlin as they implement academic strategies that will move Timon forward into the future in this transitional period.

"I look forward to working with Mrs. Battin to strengthen the Timon community. Michele is very talented and focused on providing guidance and support of the faculty that will elevate academic standards in the classroom and throughout the school community," McLaughlin said. "As a member of my leadership team, Michele will work closely with me to implement all facets of the academic program at Timon. I believe we are ushering in a whole new era."

As Timon's president, McLaughlin will provide leadership and be responsible for integrating the Franciscan charism and guiding principles throughout the school's administration. Along with the board of trustees, he will provide oversight of the school's academic programs, advancement and alumni relations, marketing and enrollment management, finances, facilities, and the overall spiritual and communal well‐being of Timon's students, faculty and staff.