SFDS Announces New Principal/CEO: Alumna Roni-Nicole Facen

Dear Families, Alumni and Friends,

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Roni-Nicole Facen as the new Principal/CEO of St Francis de Sales High School. Ms. Facen is an alumna of SFDS and excited to be back at 101st and Ewing!

Ms. Facen begins her first full week tomorrow and will be in touch soon. For now, see the press release below for some background and join us in welcoming her back to SFDS!

Diana Serrano, Interim Principal and Dean of Students and

Mary Kay Ramirez, Director of Community Relations

Welcome to new principal/CEO Roni-Nicole Facen

Chicago, IL - July 8th, 2020 - St. Francis de Sales High School is incredibly pleased to announce that Roni-Nicole Facen has accepted the position of Principal/CEO of St. Francis de Sales High School effective immediately.

Ms. Facen is a St. Francis de Sales High School alumna and is passionate about the role that St. Francis de Sales plays in the South and East Side community where she lives. Ms. Facen joins St. Francis de Sales from Proviso East High School where she has served as the special education coordinator. 

Facen has a B.A in secondary education from St. Xavier University, a Masters in Education Leadership from Aurora University and an expected Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Aurora University in December of 2021. In addition to her experience as an educator, she has a sales and marketing background which will support the school’s transition to a Work Study model planned for the fall of 2021.

Ms. Facen was selected by the search committee that included members from the Archdiocese of Chicago, Big Shoulders Fund and St. Francis de Sales High School. “Roni’s passion and energy for education is contagious. Her background and commitment stood out among a strong applicant pool” said John Glimco, Chief of Governance and Policy, Archdiocese of Chicago.

Ms. Facen has deep ties to the South and East Side of Chicago. Rebecca Lindsay-Ryan, Senior Director, Academic Programs and External Affairs for Big Shoulders Fund noted that “her ties to the community and desire to support families on the South and East Side is seen through her actions. She brings a tremendous commitment and passion for ensuring high-quality educational opportunities remain available within the community.” Prior to graduating from St. Francis de Sales, Ms. Facen attended nearby St. Michael School. “I am thrilled to be returning to St. Francis de Sales because it gave me the foundation to succeed in life.” said Ms. Facen “I look forward to re-connecting and engaging with alumni, staff, partners, students and families to support our current students and families and to plan for a strong and vibrant future”.

St. Francis de Sales has educated young men and women on the East Side of Chicago for over 80 years.  For more information, contact Mary Kay Ramirez at 773-731-7272.