Nouvel Catholic Central Schools announced on Monday, July 15 that Mr. Daniel Decuf has accepted the position of Nouvel Catholic Central High School Principal.
Mr. Decuf comes to Nouvel Catholic Central High School with 19 years of experience in the field of education. In a building leadership role, Mr. Decuf has 11 years of service as a Vice Principal and/or Principal at the middle and high school levels. He has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Central Michigan University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Saginaw Valley State University. Additionally, Mr. Decuf holds both, valid Teaching and Administrative certificates from the State of Michigan. Mr. Decuf and his family are members of Saint Dominic Parish in Saginaw. In his youth, he attended Mass at Our Lady of Peace in Bay City.
Led by the Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Cormac Lynn, a selection committee was formed consisting of ten members. Committee representation consisted of stakeholders from the Board of Trustees (consisting of parents from both schools) as well as members of the high school staff and faculty. The committee then forwarded their recommendation to the Board.
“Upon receiving the strong recommendation from our selection committee, I had the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Decuf,” said Board of Trustees President, Patrick McCarthy. “It was clear that his commitment to Nouvel’s Catholic identity, student success and experience in educational leadership solidified that he could step into this role and build upon the strong foundation at our High School. It was my pleasure, with the endorsement of our Board, to recommend Mr. Decuf to Bishop Hurley, Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Saginaw,” added McCarthy.
“Based on committee feedback, Mr. Decuf was the overwhelmingly preferred candidate,” said Cormac Lynn, Superintendent of Catholic Schools. “With approval from Bishop Hurley, we are pleased to announce that Mr. Decuf has accepted this position. Mr. Decuf will serve as Nouvel Catholic Central High School Principal in a one-year interim role, with the possibility of continuation. Provided there is mutual agreement between Mr. Decuf and the Board, along with support from the Bishop and Superintendent, Mr. Decuf may continue to serve as Principal beyond the 2019-2020 academic year,” said Lynn.
In his previous leadership roles, Mr. Decuf, along with the support of faculty and staff, helped to accomplish the following:
- Facilitation of partnership to secure a $20,000 high school technology grant
- Partnering with Saginaw Valley State University to establish an award-winning Chief Science Officer team, comprised of high school students
- Working with and supporting staff to increase the Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings and achievement data, receiving the AP Honor Roll recognition through College Board
- Leading John Glenn High School to achieve US News Bronze National Ranking for Best High Schools acknowledgement
“It is with great interest and enthusiasm that I accept the position of High School Principal,” said Mr. Decuf. “I’ve always considered myself a servant leader and I am so thankful for the opportunity to work with a high-functioning team to build on the positive momentum that they have worked hard to create for Nouvel Catholic Central High School,” added Mr. Decuf.
Mr. Decuf currently lives in Bay City with his wife Jodi, daughter Jaden and son Joseph.