Stec was chosen for the top position by a committee of members on the school’s Board of Trustees, faculty, parents and alumni. The Franciscan Province of the Sacred Heart gave its final approval on the decision, as well.
A familiar face will be leading Padua Franciscan High School as its new president. David Stec ’86, who served as principal, will begin his new role as president on July 1, 2021 following the retirement of Fr. Allan DaCorte, ofm who has served as president for the past eight years.
Stec joined Padua in 1996 as a theology teacher. He was named director of campus ministry two years later, before becoming principal in 2005. He is responsible for the creation of the MedTrack® and MyTrack® programs, along with the implementation of emerging technologies of virtual reality.
“Dave Stec is a visionary and faith-inspired leader whose concerns for his students and relationships with others are embedded into the fabric of his faith,” Nick Iafigliola, chairman of the board, said. “We wanted someone who not only endorsed the mission of the school, but had lived it.” Iafigliola wrote a letter to the Padua community sharing the news.
Catholic schools have been part of Stec’s entire life. He attended St. Charles Borromeo School in Parma before his years at Padua. He then graduated from Borromeo Seminary with a Bachelor of Arts. He received a master’s degree in clinical counseling from John Carroll University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Ursuline College.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Dave Stec for the past eight years and have witnessed his enthusiasm and love for Padua Franciscan,” DaCorte said. “As the first lay president, he will bring lively focus into our Franciscan mission of spirituality, community and service that is so much a part of his being. An alumnus of Padua, his 25 years of employment gives him a unique knowledge that will serve the Padua family well in these challenging times. I wish him nothing but peace and many years of successful administration and growth,” DaCorte continued.
“I am very honored and excited to be the next President of Padua Franciscan High School,” Stec said. “Over the past 25 years, I have dedicated my career to this ministry and I have a deep passion and commitment to the Franciscan mission of our school. I look forward to an incredible future for our Padua family.”
Both the first lay person and the first alumnus to serve as president of Padua, Stec will be the sixth president in the school’s history.
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