By Celine Klosterman
IOWA CITY – Citing a desire to be closer to family in Dubuque, Regina Catholic Education Center’s president has taken a job as chief administrator of Holy Family Catholic Schools there.
Beginning July 1, Carol Trueg will oversee a system that includes nearly 2,300 students in early childhood programs, four elementary schools, a middle school and Wahlert Catholic High School, her alma mater.
Trueg said she feels very fortunate to have spent three years at Regina, “but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to spend more time with family, especially my mom.”
She was easily Holy Family’s top choice for chief administrator, said Tom Flogel, vice chair of the schools’ board of education.
He cited Trueg’s diverse background in Catholic education, including her involvement in development, curriculum and student recruitment. She has been a teacher, associate principal and principal at Catholic schools throughout eastern Iowa. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Clarke College in Dubuque and a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Iowa.
She shares Holy Family’s vision for its schools, Flogel said. “The single biggest thing that impressed us was the work ethic she’s exhibited and the resulting impact on programs she’s been involved in.”
Trueg and Jim Howe, chair of Regina’s Board of Education, said her biggest accomplishment has been securing busing for Regina. In an effort to save money, the Iowa City Community School District stopped providing transportation for Regina after the 2009-10 school year.
Howe also noted her vital role in creating a strategic plan that Regina formed in 2009, praised her “diligence and perseverance,” and cited her importance in upgrading Regina’s technology infrastructure.
“We’ve had a great relationship with Carol over the last three years, and we’re sad to see her leave,” he said.
A search committee is forming to find Regina’s next president, Howe said. “We hope we can find someone of Carol’s caliber to continue our mission.”
