St. Francis Xavier names new school principal

Mary Zolkowski to begin leadership role July 1

Entrance of St. Francis Xavier School with double doors.

Mary Zolkowski has been named the new principal of St. Francis Xavier School in Medina and will begin her role July 1 after more than 28 years in education. She succeeds Danene Beal, who served as the school’s principal for eight years.

SFX

Published March 10, 2026 - 5:13 a.m.

St. Francis Xavier Parish has announced the appointment of Mary Zolkowski as the next principal of St. Francis Xavier School, effective July 1.

Smiling woman in pink lace top with blue background. — Mary Zolkowski

Zolkowski, 50, brings more than 28 years of experience in education, most recently serving as assistant principal for young women at Padua Franciscan High School since 2021. Prior to that, she served as an intervention specialist and teacher for students with learning disabilities and led the department at Padua Franciscan for three years.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Cleveland State University. Zolkowski is passionate about fostering a thriving Catholic school environment centered on academic excellence and the social and emotional growth of every student.

Smiling woman in a blue cardigan with glasses. — Danene Beal

She is also familiar with the St. Francis Xavier community and its Navigator Way. Since she and her family joined the parish in 2007, she has served as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and volunteered in various ministries. Her sons, Ryan and Caleb, are graduates of St. Francis Xavier School.

“I am extremely happy to welcome Mary to our staff,” said Father Tony Sejba, pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish. “She is a faithful Catholic who, with her husband Dan, has been devoted to living the faith. I know she will continue and build upon the outstanding work of Mrs. Danene Beal, who has faithfully served our school community so well for the past eight years.”

Zolkowski will work in tandem with Amanda Montana, currently a physical education teacher who will become a new assistant principal. Together with a dedicated faculty and staff, they will continue to provide a nurturing environment where students can grow academically, spiritually, emotionally and physically.

St. Francis Xavier School, a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, educates about 417 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The school follows the curriculum developed and supported by the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, which meets and exceeds Ohio learning standards.

For more information about St. Francis Xavier School, visit sfxmedina.com or contact Lindsey Schepis at lschepis@sfxmedina.org or 330-725-3345.