Brother Rice Grad Becomes New JCA Principal

Joliet Catholic Academy, a college preparatory school founded on the ideal and values of two religious orders: the Carmelites of the Most Pure Heart of Mary and the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate located in Darien, Illinois announced the appointment of Mr. Jeffrey Budz as their new principal.

Jeffery Budz grew up on the Southside of Chicago, where he attended Queen of Martyrs Grade School and Brother Rice High School. During those high school years his favorite subjects were English and Math. He also enjoyed playing on the baseball and basketball teams. Budz continued his education where he had items published in St. Xavier’s literary magazine. He received his undergraduate degree from St. Xavier University with a major in English/Secondary Education and a minor in Education. He also received his master’s degree there, with a major in Administration.

Jeffrey Budz has a keen sense of the Catholic School culture. He taught English at Brother Rice for seven years and also served as dean of Students during his final year, before being appointed as Assistant principal and Activities director at Bremen High School in Midlothian. In addition to his responsibilities at Bremen, he led five academic departments, the charter education program and the gifted and talented program during his threes years of employment there.

Jeffrey Budz and his wife Karla, have five children. The ages range from Jeffrey their oldest at age seven, to Johnny, now four months. His hobbies include spending time with his family and trying to keep in shape—which can be accomplished by sons Jeffrey, Jacob, Justin, Johnny and daughter Karlyn.

As he begins his association with JCA Budz said, “I am very excited and honored to be the next leader of Joliet Catholic Academy. I hope to build on the history and tradition of the school and become an integral part of the JCA family and community.” JCA President and CEO, Sr. Faith Szambelanczyk, OSF, commented on Mr. Budz’s appointment, “I believe that you will find Mr. Budz, friendly, approachable, energetic… an individual committed to Catholic education and a collaborative academic leader.”