Leadership realignment at Serra strengthens administration and academics

As Serra Catholic High School transitions to a “president-principal” model of governance, Bishop David Zubik has appointed Timothy Chirdon as Serra’s president and Robert Childs as principal.

The appointments are effective immediately. Both are already top administrators at Serra, but their duties have been redefined. In authorizing the realignment, Bishop Zubik acted upon a unanimous request from Serra’s board of directors and on behalf of the member board of the Catholic High Schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

The president-principal model is common in Catholic high schools. It allows the president to focus on administration and the principal to concentrate on academics. Stephanie DeMarco will continue as assistant principal.

In his appointment letter to Chirdon, Bishop Zubik praised his efforts to grow enrollment and financial support. “Most importantly, you have made Catholic identity . . . a foremost priority at Serra,” the bishop wrote.

Bishop Zubik praised Childs’ accomplishments as an educator. “Your leadership at Serra Catholic and your exemplary dedication to the students were once again evidenced in the seamless transition to home-based learning during the COVID shutdown,” the bishop told him.

Chirdon commented, “this official change in our roles helps each of us to do our best with the gifts we have been blessed with.”

“It’s a blessing to continue to serve this school and I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue further innovative ways to enhance the educational program at Serra,” Childs said.

Chirdon joined the Serra faculty in 2000 as a counselor and has been the principal for 14 years. Over the past six years he has raised nearly $5 million, which bolstered tuition assistance and provided other improvements.  He will primarily oversee the offices of finance, development, marketing, capital improvements, and facilities.

Childs joined the Serra faculty as assistant principal in 2011 and was promoted to associate principal in 2016. He is also the athletic director. Childs has ensured that Serra’s core courses and college elective offerings exceed state standards and align with each student’s educational and career goals. He will oversee the academic and athletic programs, faculty, and daily operations.  

DeMarco, the assistant principal since 2016, joined the faculty in 2010 as a chemistry teacher and was promoted to dean of students in 2014.  She has led the school’s Middles States evaluation process, which yielded glowing commendations. DeMarco will continue to manage student affairs, discipline, activities and transportation.  


Timothy Chirdon, Serra president


Robert Childs, Serra principal