Sister Teresa Ballisty began her career in education over 30 years ago. She arrived at Saints Phillip and James School (SSPJ) in 2017, at a time when the school needed supportive leadership to address a variety of challenges. Enrollment had declined, school facilities needed upgrades, and the school’s sense of culture and community needed a boost. Sister Teresa initiated a School Board of Limited Jurisdiction with the support of the pastor and the Office of Catholic Education. Taking a collaborative approach, Principal Ballisty quickly involved the newly formed School Board with teachers, parents, and other partners in developing a Strategic Five-Year Plan to improve multiple aspects of the school, including facilities, finances, and academic support.
Recognizing that school improvement takes shared leadership, Principal Ballisty empowered several committees to…
