Ater gets green light to lead CCHS | News, Sports, Jobs

STEUBENVILLE — Joshua Ater will take over as principal of Catholic Central High School and Bishop John King Mussio Central Junior High School effective July 1, Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton announced Tuesday.

Monforton also selected Morgan C. Starr to serve as assistant principal of schools, also effective July 1.

“We are delighted with this new administrative team,” said Deacon Paul D. Ward, director of the Diocesan Office of Christian Training and Schools. “I am grateful to the Reverend Thomas R. Nau and the 12-member search committee who unanimously recommended the two educators.”

Ater, 45, is the former president and CEO of Lehman Catholic High School in Sydney, Archdiocese of Cincinnati. He was responsible for more than doubling fundraising efforts between the annual fund and auction events during his three years at the school, as well as leading a new strategic plan.

“I am delighted to join the CCHS and BJKM Junior High team”, Ater said. “The schools have a proven history of academic excellence, a vibrant and supportive community, and a strong Catholic Christian identity. My goal will be to work collaboratively with the faculty, staff, parents and community of both schools to continue to build on the rich tradition of excellence.

A native of Dayton, Ater has extensive experience in marketing and business development and holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Dayton.

Starr is a graduate of CCHS and has worked at the school for nearly 10 years, more than seven of them as an English and creative writing teacher. Starr is currently Director of Curriculum, Instruction, Testing, and Professional Development and Director of Distance Education.

In addition to Ater and Starr, the Rev. Michael W. Gossett has been named pastoral administrator for both schools and will replace Nau, who is retiring.

In February, CSC and BJKM Junior High Principal Thomas J. Costello announced he was leaving his post at the end of the school year. Costello had been manager since 2017.