New Saint Ann principal means business for education

Meg Cosgriff, the new principal at Saint Ann, wants to raise the school's profile.

According to American author and philosopher Richard Bach, we are all "learners, doers and teachers." Meg Cosgriff, the new principal at Saint Ann School, certainly epitomizes this notion in that she has been all three at one point in her professional life: novice, practitioner and educator.

Cosgriff officially joined the Saint Ann community on July 1, but the buzz surrounding her new position commenced well before she moved into her office. In April, after extensive consultation, the principal search committee made its recommendation to Father Jim Singler, pastor of Saint Ann Parish. "Ms. Cosgriff brings to us all the academic and professional requirements we desired in a candidate. These include a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Ursuline College, elementary principal license, ten years elementary teaching experience, catechetical leader certificate, an understanding of the philosophy of Catholic education, evidence of continuing education, five years experience as a principal and two and a half years as an educational consultant. As a practicing Catholic who is a collaborative leader, she personifies all of the qualities desired from the surveys of students, faculty, parents, parish council and finance council, including an excellent and approachable communicator, knowledgeable in technology and experienced in marketing and development practices. That's why we hired her."

Cosgriff grew up in Euclid and attended St. William School and Regina High School before attending Ursuline College. She has been a teacher at St. Christine in Euclid, St. Clare in Lyndhurst, and St. Mary Magdalene in Willowick. She taught third grade and junior high math and religion. However, sensing that she could better affect the lives of more children, Cosgriff sought her master's degree in educational administration. In 2000, she became the principal of St. Jerome School in Cleveland. When asked about her most valuable contribution to St. Jerome School, Cosgriff cited both the increase in test scores and the raised academic standards of the school.

So why leave? It would seem that the personal philosophy of affecting the lives of more students drove her to seek out an even larger audience. Working as both principal and a chairperson for the Ohio Catholic Schools Accrediting Association in 2005, Ms. Cosgriff realized that she could further expand her personal philosophy. So in that same year, she launched her own business, Principal Support Services, which eventually led to a consulting position with the nonprofit Spirit Services, Inc. An organization that serves and supports Catholic elementary schools in the Diocese of Cleveland, Spirit Services, Inc. provides educational and technological assistance to improve learning and enrollment in Catholic schools. It was while she was with Spirit Services that Cosgriff acquired the skills that further advanced her talent in leadership, multi-tasking, marketing and grant writing. Consultant for fourteen schools in the diocese, Cosgriff enjoyed her work and the visible improvements she accomplished, but consulting allowed for only limited contact with students; Cosgriff wanted to be back where her heart was. And so when the position opened up at Saint Ann, she leaped at the chance.

Upon arriving at Saint Ann, Cosgriff called a faculty meeting to determine a framework for the upcoming school year. And, since the Saint Ann curriculum includes a legacy of faith development and service to others, both Cosgriff and the faculty decided upon the theme, "Grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus." This philosophy echoes that of children's rights activist Marian Wright Edelman, who affirms that Christianity requires service to others and that the purpose of education is to leave "your community and world better than you found it."

With a resolute goal in mind, Cosgriff's next task is two-fold: marketing and academics. "I'd like to get the word out about Saint Ann School," Cosgriff maintains. "It's a hidden gem, the best-kept secret in the Heights." Touting high test scores and graduates who get into the top high schools in the Cleveland area, Cosgriff hopes to further cement Saint Ann School as one of the best in the diocese by establishing both a Junior National Honor Society and a National Elementary Honor Society in the near future.

These challenges pale in comparison, Cosgriff jokes, with her first challenge upon becoming principal at St. Jerome. There was a fire in the gym/cafeteria. The lesson learned? "I'm glad I'm not in the construction business," she laughs. The parents and students of Saint Ann School are, too.

We'd rather she stay in the education business.