Jim and Amy Kubacki, well known for their work at Cleveland Catholic high schools, are teaming up to move Cleveland’s four Partnership elementary schools forward.
Jim Kubacki retired as president of St. Edward High School a year ago, after leading the school to unprecedented success during his 12-year tenure, including significant expansion of its academic programs and facilities. Amy Kubacki had a long career in fundraising, including stints at the Cleveland Clinic and Magnificat High School. They will serve as co-vice presidents of development for the Partnership Schools.
The Partnership Schools are four Catholic elementary schools -- Metro Catholic, St. Francis, St.Thomas Aquinas and Archbishop Lyke -- serving children in some of Cleveland’s most economically challenged neighborhoods. The schools have served those communities for more than 150 years. As part of the Partnership network, they remain owned by the Catholic Church but are managed independently by Partnership Schools.
“These schools are undertaking a critical mission on behalf of Cleveland children,” Amy Kubacki said.
“It is also an honor to carry on the work of the Partnership that Rich Clark brought to Cleveland,” her husband added.
Clark, who founded Saint Martin de Porres High School in 2003, died unexpectedly in September 2021, after initiating the Partnership’s expansion to Cleveland in 2020.
Partnership Schools began in New York City more than a decade ago in an effort to save parish schools serving working-class communities in Harlem and the South Bronx. Now, the network’s four schools in Cleveland and seven in New York bring a new approach to the social mobility and community building that urban Catholic schools have long catalyzed. The schools share a streamlined organizational structure, curriculum, teacher training, and a focus on values that is gaining broad-based appeal among even non-Catholic parents. The original Partnership schools in New York have achieved substantial growth in enrollment and academic achievement, and early progress in Cleveland’s four schools is promising.
“Providing every child with an excellent, values-based education is the best hope for the next generation in Cleveland,” said Amy Kubacki. “Jim and I are excited to be joining the talented Partnership Schools team and to use our experience to realize the vision first imagined by our friend, Rich Clark.”
Jim Kubacki called the Partnership Schools “the best-kept secret in Cleveland. We plan to raise awareness and raise the necessary support for these deserving youngsters. Every child deserves an opportunity to fulfill his or her own God-given potential.”
They added Theresa Day, a seasoned development professional, as a third member of their team and director of development.
“We are so excited to work with Jim, Amy and Theresa. They share our ambitions for the students and school communities we serve, and I can’t think of better people to carry Rich’s vision forward,” said Christian Dallavis, superintendent of the Partnership Schools in Cleveland.