Bell-Jeff High School Principal John Matheus says he’ll step down

After two years as principal of Bellarmine-Jefferson High School, John Matheus is resigning from his post.

Matheus stepped in as principal of the school in 2011 after spending 30 years in various roles at La Salle High School in Pasadena.

When Matheus took the helm of Bell-Jeff, he was pleased to return to his alma mater, having graduated from there in 1972.

“I’ve planted the seeds here for future growth,” he said. “I’m very fortunate to be part of the rich history.”

Matheus said he’s chosen to resign from his role and will go on sabbatical, unsure of his future plans.

“I just want to take some time and take a sabbatical and go from there,” he said.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles is currently interviewing for a replacement, Matheus said, and the position should be filled by July 1.

Matheus said he is proud of his efforts to market the school, even in the face of declining enrollment.

When the school’s last principal — Sr. Cheryl Milner — resigned in 2011, there were about 300 students at Bell-Jeff. Today, the student body amounts to a little more than 200 students, Matheus said.

“There’s many areas here in the Burbank-Glendale region that still don’t know there’s the school here,” he said. “I think we’ve made inroads in marketing the school.”

Matheus said he was grateful for the school’s community.

“I wish the school much success,” he said. “I hope the school moves on.”

--

Follow Kelly Corrigan on Twitter: @kellymcorrigan.