Board of Directors welcomes new president, names interim headmaster, and establishes new vice president role to support enrollment and mission advancement. 

The Board of Directors of St. Bernard Preparatory School is pleased to announce a series of leadership appointments that will strengthen the school’s academic, spiritual, and operational foundation as it enters the 2026–2027 academic year. The advancements affirm the school’s ongoing commitment to its Catholic identity, Benedictine tradition, and college-preparatory mission. 

Father Paschal Pautler, O.S.B., to serve as president 

Father Paschal Pautler, O.S.B., has been named president of St. Bernard Preparatory School. As the chief executive officer, Father Paschal will ensure excellence across every dimension of the institution, lead institutional advancement and capital initiatives, steward the school’s operational and capital budgets, and serve as the primary liaison between the monastic community and the school. 

Rachael Stover to serve as vice president in newly created role

The Board has established a new vice president position to provide senior executive leadership in enrollment management, marketing, communications, and parent support. Rachael Stover has been named the school’s first vice president. 

In this new role, Stover will lead comprehensive enrollment management for both residential and day programs, direct the school’s marketing and brand strategy, oversee public relations and community engagement, and serve as a strategic partner to the president. The creation of this position reflects the Board’s commitment to strengthening the school’s outreach, growing enrollment, and deepening engagement with families and community partners. 

Father Joel Martin, O.S.B., to serve as interim headmaster 

Father Joel Martin, O.S.B., who has served the school faithfully as president and former headmaster, has been appointed interim headmaster while the Board conducts the search for a headmaster. In this role, Father Joel will lead the academic program, oversee curriculum and instruction, and shape the daily life of the school in alignment with its Catholic and Benedictine tradition. 

Father Dominic Lee, O.S.B., continues as assistant headmaster 

Father Dominic Lee, O.S.B., will continue to serve as assistant headmaster, providing important continuity in student life and residential leadership. In this role, Father Dominic directs the residential boarding program and student life, overseeing discipline, campus events, and the day-to-day welfare of students. 

Phuong Nguyen to serve as guidance counsellor 

Phuong Nguyen will serve as guidance counselor. After a period of service as headmaster, Nguyen and the Board agreed that his exceptional gifts — in academic advising, college counseling, and passionate student advocacy — are best deployed in the work of the Guidance Office. 

Searches underway for headmaster and athletic director 

The Board of Directors has launched wide-ranging searches for two key positions: a headmaster to lead the school’s academic program and faculty and an athletic director to lead the school’s athletic programs and student-athlete development.

Looking Ahead 

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank all our school administrators, faculty, staff, and the entire St. Bernard community for their readiness to serve and support St. Bernard Preparatory School. SBP’s future is full of hope as we continue our mission of cultivating a love of learning and a life of virtue in young men and women” said Brother Brendan Seipel, O.S.B., chairman of the Board.