Chris McGraw

BLOOMINGTON — Central Catholic High School will embark on a new chapter in its history when Chris McGraw becomes its next principal. His appointment is effective July 1, when current principal Sean Foster begins his new role as Central Catholic’s president.

“Chris brings vast experience, gifts of leadership and passion for his faith,” Foster said.

“We are blessed to have faculty and staff who love our students and are passionate about their formation. Chris is the type of leader who will enhance this culture,” according to Foster. “I look forward to partnering with him as we continue to build on the Saints tradition of excellence.”

For his part, McGraw is “humbled by this opportunity.”

“My goal is to lead through collaborative, passionate, innovative, and engaging means to help create a welcoming environment rich with opportunities for success for all students, staff, and families,” he said.

McGraw has been principal at Evans Junior High School in Bloomington since 2017 and has served in the Unit 5 school district since 2006. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art education and a master’s degree in educational administration, all from Illinois State University.

McGraw and his wife, Katie, live in Normal with their four children and are members of Epiphany Parish.

The move to a president-principal model of governance comes after nearly two years of research and planning. It is designed to allow Foster to develop and implement Central Catholic’s long-term strategic vision, while McGraw oversees the day-to-day administration of the school.

In the end, the goal is to expand Central Catholic’s mission and engage the community to strengthen the school’s sustainability for the future, Foster said when the new model was announced in March.

Foster holds a master’s degree in Theology and Christian Ministry from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Notre Dame. He taught theology and coached junior varsity boys’ basketball for five years at Central Catholic before serving as associate principal to Joy Allen and then succeeding her as principal in 2014.