Padua Franciscan High School removes interim tag, names Robert DiRocco permanent

PARMA, Ohio — More than six months after becoming Padua Franciscan High School’s interim principal, Robert DiRocco was recently named the permanent leader of the State Road school.

DiRocco replaces longtime principal David Stec, who was recently promoted to Padua Franciscan High School president.

“Bob DiRocco has done an exceptional job guiding the school this year,” said Stec in a press release. “His faith, dedication and focus on strengthening student engagement has made a positive impact here at Padua.

“We look forward to him continuing to provide exceptional leadership, academic vision and support for the entire Padua community.”

DiRocco, who earned a bachelor of arts in philosophy from John Carroll University and a master of science in educational administration from the University of Scranton, spent 15 years as an administrator and teacher at St. Peter Chanel High School.

He joined Padua in 2008 as a theology teacher, campus minister and coach. He most recently served the last four years as the assistant principal of young men. His daughter, Rosie, is a 2017 Padua Franciscan High School graduate.

“I guess it was more important than I thought because when Dave Stec told me he’d like to take the interim title away, I got a little choked up,” DiRocco said. “While it was important to me that it was removed, I had to earn it. And it was kind of mine to lose.

“I felt it was like an on-the-job interview, and you have to learn the job. I’ve been in catholic schools for 29 years. There’s nothing like this job. You don’t know it until you get in there just all of the things that go on every day.”

Looking ahead, DiRocco said he’s all about student engagement at Padua Franciscan High School.

“My belief always has been when a student loves coming to school they perform better,” DiRocco said. “A big push of mine this first year is to get back to what Padua is all about — getting students in peer ministry, getting them to show up to events and being proud to be a part of the activities at school. I want to just take that to the next level.

“If I had one more goal, the relationship we have with parents is a critical piece. I’m taking over parents club next year trying to really engage them along with the students to help keep moving the school forward.”

While DiRocco knows as principal he’ll face plenty of challenges, he’s optimistic about the future.

“I’m a little bias, but it’s a big responsibility to be the principal at what I think is the best Catholic High School in the area,” DiRocco said. “Thankfully, I’m surrounded by a team of people who love high school students and are really very good at what we do.”

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