Feb. 19, 2025

Upon the recommendation of the Education Council of Immaculate Heart Central at its February 12, 2025 meeting, the Board of Governors has appointed Mrs. Amy Mitchell as the school’s principal effective July 1. Mrs. Mitchell will succeed Mr. Daniel Charlebois, who announced his decision to resign from the school on June 30 to pursue other opportunities. 

In the interim, Mr. Charlebois and Mrs. Mitchell will collaborate to prepare for the transition to new school leadership.

Both the Board of Governors and the Education Council express their gratitude to Mr. Charlebois for his unwavering dedication to the school.

A distinguished alumnus, Mr. Charlebois began his teaching career in 2006 and assumed the role of principal in 2019.

During his tenure, he dedicated himself to the teaching of religion and mathematics. Additionally, he served as Campus Minister and as a committed adult moderator of the IHC Mystery Players.

Mrs. Amy Mitchell, another esteemed alumna, has dedicated her career to education, progressing from a teacher at Immaculate Heart in 2007 to Vice Principal in 2019.

Her extensive experience in teaching and administration will be invaluable assets as she assumes her new role as Principal. 

The Board of Governors is accountable for overseeing the implementation of the school’s mission. Its responsibilities include appointing members of the Education Council, the principal, approving the budget and financial statement, and making property decisions. The governors are Father John Demo, President; Father Frank Natale, M.S.C.; Father Ray Diesbourg, M.S.C.; and Sister Ellen Rose Coughlin, S.S.J.

The Education Council collaborates with the principal in developing appropriate school policies. Additionally, the council approves the principal’s selections for campus minister, business manager, director of advancement and enrollment, guidance, athletic director, and vice principal.

Mitchell: IHC ‘is family to me’
By Darcy Fargo
Editor

Incoming Immaculate Heart Central (IHC) Principal Amy Mitchell, now the school’s vice principal, says Catholic education has been part of her life since she was very young.

“I’ve been a part of Catholic education in Watertown since I was a child,” she said. “I went to St. Patrick’s for elementary, and I’m an IHC grad. I taught at Indian River Central School for 10 years. When my children became school age, I came back to IHC, and I’ve been here ever since. It’s family for me.”

Mitchell said she taught pre-k, kindergarten and first grade, and she served as a reading teacher.

“In 2019, I took over as vice principal,” she said.

Mitchell noted that she is “very dedicated to Catholic education and to children having Jesus in their lives.”

“It’s so important,” she said. “When they’re little, they embrace (faith). They get older and learn why it’s important. That’s my goal, and to always do what’s best for kids.”

Mitchell said she’s looking forward to interacting with older students.

“A lot of the upper classmen in the high school, I taught in first grade,” she said. “Interacting with them on a different level is exciting! I’m also looking forward to working to become more united as a school – elementary and junior/senior high.”

Mitchell noted, though, that the new role also comes with its challenges.

“Like with any new job, there are things I’ve never done before,” she said. “And one challenge we’re facing, like nearly all Catholic schools, is enrollment has dipped. That’s something that needs attention.”

Mitchell received both her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree at SUNY Potsdam.

“My master’s is in literacy,” she said. “I love teaching reading. It’s my favorite thing to do.”