Mr. John Byrne, the new vice president of operations and maintenance, is excited and ready for his time here at Mount Carmel. Byrne working for 25 years in the public school system, much of that time spent as the superintendent at District 218, which contains massive high schools like Eisenhower, Shepard and Richards. Byrne is excited to be involved in Catholic education. ” I love the ideals of Mount Carmel, it’s a great opportunity to do what is right for the student.”

Growing up in Mount Greenwood, Byrne graduated from Leo High School in 1966 and went to Chicago State and Loyola University for his undergraduate degree. During his time in the public schools he served as a teacher, Special Ed teacher, Assistant Superintendent, and then finally superintendent of high schools with more than 5000 students combined.

Arriving at MC in the middle of the summer, Byrne jumped right into the summer projects, which included adding a new boiler and a prototype classroom in Room 104. Since he was not here for the planning of these projects, Byrne worked closely with Mr. Dave Lenti, Vice President of Advancement, in planning more ideas for the upcoming years. ” I was very busy as soon as I walked in the doors.” His office, which is located in the security office, is bustling with workers and planners who are helping out with the upcoming projects.

Byrne is embracing the transition from the public school system to the private Catholic school. “After all this time in the school system learning new things is really the most fun.”