Dear St. Francis Families, 

Almost 30 years ago I moved to Sacramento to begin my career in education. For the last 10 years, I have been blessed with the opportunity to work in Catholic education, which has been a transformative experience that has allowed me to fully integrate my Catholic faith with my professional life. This unexpected gift has enriched my career and life in ways I could never have anticipated.

As President of our beloved school, I have the privilege of working alongside a dedicated team of school leaders, faculty, and staff who have helped elevate St. Francis to new heights. I would be remiss not to recognize the significant role our students and parents, like you, play in this success. Our recent recognition as the #1 Catholic High School in the Sacramento region and the #2 Private High School is just one testament to our collective achievements. During Sunday’s Open House, I had the honor of sitting with a panel of your daughters, and I couldn’t help but beam with pride as they shared their love for the school and, more importantly, for themselves. Your daughters are our strongest advocates and ambassadors, and I am confident that our next 85 years are poised for even greater success. With a glowing WASC accreditation and a visionary strategic plan in place, our trajectory toward continued growth is clear, and the positive impact is felt across campus.

With this in mind, I have important news to share. At the end of June 2025, I will be saying goodbye to this community I love so much and returning to my hometown of Los Angeles to serve as Head of School at my alma mater, Marymount High School. This decision was not made lightly, and while it is difficult to leave, I am filled with excitement for what the future holds for us all. The Troubie Spirit—defined by joy, ambition, love, and faith—will always remain in my heart, continually inspired by your daughters and your steadfast support.

St. Francis is truly a destination for students, families, faculty, and staff—a place where talents are developed, lifelong memories are made, and individuals are empowered to thrive. As we look ahead, we are confident that the search for our next president will draw a highly qualified and competitive pool of candidates. The Board of Trustees will now make this matter a priority, working in collaboration with Bishop Soto and the Catholic School Department, and the board will update our St. Francis community as that work proceeds. 

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to finishing this chapter with all of you as we celebrate the legacy of St. Francis and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

With gratitude,

Dr. Fadia Desmond
President