Michele Neves Named Principal of Immaculate Conception High School

Margaret D. Dames, Ed.D., Secretary for Catholic Education and Archdiocesan Superintendent of Schools, has appointed Michele Neves as Principal of Immaculate Conception High School (ICHS) in Montclair. Currently Upper School Director at Trenton Catholic Academy (TCA), Neves will begin her tenure at Immaculate on July 1. Prior to her position at TCA, Neves served in a variety of roles at Paterson Catholic High School, including Vice Principal for Student Affairs, Discipline and Activities, and Vice Principal/Development Director. 

Neves succeeds Jo Ann Degnan, who has served as principal of ICHS since 2002. In addition to her role as principal, Mrs. Degnan had served the school as Chair of the English Department. She launched a number of Immaculate’s flagship programs: Peer Ministry, Character Education, and Writing Across the Curriculum, to name a few. William Slattery, Chairman of the ICHS Board of Trustees, stated: “We are all very grateful for Mrs. Degnan’s years of service. She is a beloved teacher and will be greatly missed by all, especially our students.”

Neves will report to Celia Triggs Honohan, who was appointed President of ICHS in October by Archbishop John J. Myers. “Michele Neves was the unanimous choice of our search committee,” Honohan stated. “She understands the sense of family we have here at ICHS.  More important, she has the experience and vision needed to sustain the momentum created during this turbulent year. Both of us are committed to Immaculate’s mission to deliver a Catholic, college preparatory education to high school students in a faith-filled environment.”

Originally slated to close in June of 2014, Archbishop Myers permitted the school to remain open following an extensive fundraising effort. As a result of significant improvements to its fiscal management, recruitment efforts and development strategies, Archbishop Myers believes that Immaculate Conception High school has a viable future.

Located at 33 Cottage Place, Montclair, Immaculate Conception High School has a 90-year history serving young men and women of Essex, Passaic and Union Counties.