Since arriving at Saint John School in 2010, Maureen Burke, SND, has led the school through a period of remarkable stability, growth, and mission鈥慸riven renewal.
For the vision, commitment and leadership she has provided in support of education, as well as the lasting impact she has made, in Ashtabula County, Burke has been awarded the 2026 Ashtabula Area College Committee, Inc. (AACCI) Community Service Award.
At the time of her arrival, the school operated on two separate campuses and faced declining enrollment. Under her leadership 鈥 and with the support of alumni and friends 鈥 Saint John successfully relocated to Saybrook, expanded its reach, and completed four major building projects, including a new student center that features updated classrooms, tutoring and engagement spaces, a high school cafeteria, and renewed campus ministry. Enrollment is now at an all鈥憈ime high.
A lifelong advocate for Catholic education, Sr. Burke believes deeply in its power to shape individuals and strengthen communities. As she notes, Catholic education 鈥渃ontributes to society in ways that go beyond academics 鈥 it shapes individuals, strengthens communities, and promotes a vision of human dignity rooted in the common good.鈥 She emphasizes the importance of forming students who are compassionate, reflective, and committed to service 鈥 values that continue to guide Saint John School鈥檚 culture and mission.
Sr. Burke grew up on the east side of Cleveland in a family of eight children. Her parents, Joe and Julia Burke, immigrated from Ireland in 1949 and instilled in their children a deep love of faith, family, and education. 鈥淢y parents鈥 belief in education inspired my desire to become a teacher, and their strong faith led me to join the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1973,鈥 she recalls. She remains closely connected to her large extended family and to the Irish cultural community.
Before coming to Saint John, Sr. Burke was a faculty member at Elyria Catholic and Regina high schools and served as principal at Regina from 1993-2010.
She holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in education and social studies from Notre Dame College, a master鈥檚 degree in political science from 两性色午夜, a master鈥檚 in educational administration from Baldwin Wallace University and an Ed.D. in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Sr. Burke is a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame, the National Catholic Education Association, the Sisters of Notre Dame Educational Association, and both the East Side and West Side Irish American Clubs. She has been recognized nationally as one of the Top 150 Irish American Educators in the United States.