Before Sandy Kane became the principal of Saint Odilia School in Shoreview, she was a Catholic school teacher.
“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher from a very young age,” she says. “Although I didn’t have the opportunity to attend a Catholic school myself, my student teaching experience at Holy Trinity in South Saint Paul ignited a passion for Catholic education I didn’t know was there.”
Kane taught for five years at Holy Trinity Catholic School and then another four at Saint Peter Catholic School in North Saint Paul. Reflecting on her time as a teacher, Kane explains, “I was happy teaching, but throughout my life, I’ve always been drawn to leadership roles. It was always natural to me to say, ‘Okay, I’ll lead the Marathon committee’ or ‘I’ll be the liaison for that.’ I just kept taking the next step.”
Moving out of the comfort zone
Next step after next step led her to Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School in Saint Paul, where she spent 11 years as an assistant principal under the mentorship of Kate Wollan.
“Kate really prepared me to be a leader in our Catholic schools,” Kane says. “Watching her example— how she spoke to families, how she dealt with bad news, how she led faculty meetings — gave me an opportunity to grow as a leader every day. And being able to ask her questions about why she did things this way and not that way was invaluable as well. Kate truly invested in me.”
Wollan encouraged Kane to seek principal opportunities.
“Kate knew we (the Archdiocese) were short on leaders, so she had been encouraging me to seek principal roles for years. She knew I was ready to go,” Kane recalls. “She told me numerous times, ‘I don’t want to lose you, but it’s time you share your gifts with a broader community. Others need your leadership.’ I admired Kate for pushing me even when I felt comfortable and happy in my role. I had the best job in the world for me at that time. I felt really good and comfortable; I loved it. But I knew she was right. It took me a few years to make sure it was right with the needs of my family, but when I was ready, I was ready.”
Faith in daily work
Kane is now the principal of Saint Odilia, the third largest Catholic elementary school in the Archdiocese with more than 700 students preschool through eighth grade. Her leadership style is marked by approachability, creative problem-solving and strong communication. She values a collaborative team approach, often seeking input from her colleagues before making decisions.
“I like to reflect and think about different solutions before moving forward. Being a good listener and a problem solver are essential skills for a principal,” she notes.
One of Kane’s greatest joys as a principal is the ability to build lasting relationships with students and their families. Unlike classroom teachers who focus on a new group of students each year, Kane cherishes the opportunity to watch students grow and overcome challenges throughout their entire educational journey.
“Seeing students from their early years through eighth grade graduation is a true gift. Building those relationships and watching them develop is incredibly rewarding,” she says.
Kane also highlights the importance of faith in her daily work. Being able to pray with her community, attend Mass with the students, and celebrate God’s blessings are fundamental aspects that keep her grounded and motivated.
“When I’m having a hard day, I visit with students or spend time in prayer. It reminds me of the purpose of our work and the impact we have on these children’s lives,” she shares.
For those considering a career in Catholic school leadership, Kane offers valuable advice: “Talk to different leaders, volunteer for leadership opportunities, and find a leader you respect to mentor you. It’s important to recognize and nurture your gifts and be open to God’s call when the time is right.”