Bother Bob Smith announced his resignation from his position as president and chief executive officer of Messmer Catholic Schools Friday morning.
Smith has been a part of Messmer Catholic Schools for more than 25 years and has helped the school system grow to three campuses serving more than 1,600 students throughout Greater Milwaukee. He was named principal of Messmer High School in 1987 and named president and CEO of Messmer Catholic Schools in 1995.
In his resignation letter, Smith cited health issues as his reason for resignation. Complications from a neck and spine operation Smith had three years ago have caused Smith to have to return to his surgeon for further medical attention.
“This was and is a decision that did not come easily, and I do not look forward to further surgery,” Smith said in the letter. “At the same time, it is important that I follow the advice I have given many others, and in considering everything, it is best to make this change now. Half of my life has been spent at Messmer and many staff, parents, alums and supports will be lifelong friends.”
Messmer board member peter Salza acknowledged Smith’s significant contributions in expanding Messmer’s education initiatives.
“Brother Bob has been a tireless champion and positive change agent for our students, our families, our neighborhoods and our local and state communities,” Salza said. “We are forever grateful for his commitment and passion to ensure that all students have access to high-quality, faith-based, academically rich Catholic education at Messmer and throughout the state.”
Dr. Shawnee Daniels-Sykes, chairman of the Messmer board, expressed sadness at Smith’s announcement but said Messmer Catholic Schools will remain a quality institution.
“Messmer is strong,” Daniels-Sykes said. “We will get through this. Our focus is, and always has been, on providing quality Catholic education for our 1,600 students.”
According to Daniels-Sykes, the board is creating a team to facilitate the transition to new leadership.
The Messmer Catholic School system includes Messmer High School, Messmer Preparatory Catholic School, and St. Rose and St. Leo Catholic School.
