The Board of Directors of Marian Catholic School in Tamaqua has announced the appointment of. Jean Susko as the school's new principal, effective July 1. Diocese of Allentown Bishop John Barres approved the board's recommendation of Susko.

Susko will succeed Sister Bernard Agnes Smith, IHM who will be leaving Marian after 18 years, having served as the school's principal since 1998. In October of 2015, the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary notified Marian that, because of declining numbers among the Sisters, they were withdrawing from Marian at the end of June, 2016.

Susko, brings a wealth of experience to Marian as a teacher, middle school principal, and assistant high school principal in the Catasauqua Area School District.

Susko holds a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from Cedar Crest College in Allentown, a masters degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from Kutztown University, in Kutztown and Elementary and Secondary Principal Certification from Lehigh University in Bethlehem.

Susko said she is looking forward to this new challenge. "It is an honor to be selected for this position by the Marian Board of Directors and Bishop Barres. Marian is a school with a wonderful history and a tradition of excellence. I welcome the opportunity to work with all the members of the Marian community, students, parents, faculty and alumni, to continue to provide a quality Catholic education focused on student learning and success."

Marian Board chairman Patrick H. Reilly says of Susko, "As a proud parent of a Marian student, Jean is already a member of the Marian family and knows, first hand, what Marian is all about. The Board of Directors is pleased to have someone with Jean's education and experience and we are looking forward to working with her."

Reilly also had high praise for Sister Bernard. "Marian has been blessed with some remarkable leaders through the years including Msgr. Edward Sacks, Jack Malarkey and most recently Sister Bernard Agnes. She has worked wonders at this school under very demanding circumstances. During her many years with us, as both teacher and principal, Sister has been an outstanding model of Catholic faith in action to everyone who came in contact with her but, most especially, our students."

Marian was founded in 1954. The current enrollment is 344 students.