After a successful 12-year run at Immaculate Conception Cathedral School, Principal Dinah Bradford is planning to retire at
the end of the school year.
During Bradford’s tenure, enrollment
has grown and the students have consistently scored high on standardized
tests. Additionally,
an annex was completed — housing four classrooms, a new library,
computer and art labs, and restrooms.
“She has a keen sense of financial responsibility and has worked successfully with the school board to ensure that during
these challenging economic times, sound decisions were made to guarantee that the ICCS community had all of its needs met,
allowing it to run smoothly,” said Erin B. Lang, director of development.
“Daily, she performs a graceful dance
of managing and maintaining a historically registered building, meeting
with parents
and students, addressing any and all questions and concerns, all
the while leading teachers and staff by her impeccable, professional
example.”
Bradford, a native of Cut Off, earned an undergraduate degree from LSU in physical education and math. While working on her
master’s degree at LSU she served as a graduate assistant in the kinesiology department.
Bradford taught in Baton Rouge before
moving to Lake Charles. She taught math and physical education at S.P.
Arnett and Westlake
High School before retiring for 19 years to raise her two
children. She returned to teaching math at Our Lady Queen of Heaven
before taking the principal’s post at ICCS in 2001.
“My most rewarding experiences center around improving this awesome school’s impact for our students, our families, and the
betterment of our overall community,” Bradford said.
“I truly believe the cathedral school
is best defined by its high standards and loving and caring environment
and feel privileged
to have contributed to its successes.”
The diocesan school board will conduct a statewide search for a new principal.