Former student of Buffalo Catholic schools now assistant superintendent

She calls herself a lifelong learner. She’s also a disciple of Christ. And she’s held nearly every role possible in a school. So, it’s safe to say Julie Gajewski knows the ins and outs of education.

Gajewski takes on the role of assistant superintendent for Academics for Catholic schools after a successful tenure as principal of St. Gregory the Great School and previous stints principal, assistant principal, teacher and peer coach coordinator in public schools. She now will play a role in curriculum, assessment and accreditation efforts.

“I’m blessed because I’ve been able to serve in every position in a school, which helps me to prepare to become assistant superintendent because I’ve had the privilege of serving as a teacher aid, a teacher, I’ve worked in pre-K through 12 over my 20 years in education, I’ve served as assistant principal in public school and as a principal in public school, most recently my time at St. Gregory the Great as principal, then I served as director of advancement and had the opportunity to learn about fundraising and how to develop relationships with donors, which again prepares me for this role to give me a comprehensive view of how our schools work,” she said.

She has a lot of energy and the flexibility to pivot when the situation calls for a change of plans. 

Part of the diocesan Catholic Schools Department since February, Gajewski heads into the new school year with a focus on three key elements – Catholic identity, leadership and governance, and Middle States Accreditation.

To increase Catholic Identity in the classroom, Gajewski is teaming up with Lisa Benzer, director of Faith Formation, to collaborate on catechetical formation of principals, teachers and DREs to emphasize that being an administrator or teacher in a Catholic school is not a job, but a calling.

The diocesan Department of Catholic Schools will also adjust the popular Character of the Month program into Virtue of the Month, where students receive recognition for displaying Christian virtues such as faith, honesty and gratitude.

The Catholic Schools Department will write a strategic plan designed to enhance leadership development through a three-pronged approach of a Principal Coaching Program, a Principal Academy, and a Principal Mentor Program.

Thirdly, Gajewski will help schools seek Middle States Accreditation. 

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has recognized Buffalo as a city with great partnering potential with Catholic colleges and universities. Gajewski will focus on partnerships that prepare students with the skills needed for jobs of the future.

“I’m really excited,” she said.

Gajewski describes herself as an example of what the Catholic Schools Department is trying to develop.

She attended St. Andrew Country Day School in Kenmore, Sacred Heart Academy in Amherst, John Carroll College in Cleveland where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Canisius College where she received a master’s degree in Special Education. She also holds a master of education in administration from the University of Buffalo.

Coming to St. Greg’s was a full circle moment for Gajewski as she returned to her Catholic roots.

“I really appreciate my time serving as a Catholic school principal because you get to not only share your love for academics, but faith,” she said. “I feel that Catholic education doesn’t merely develop virtues and habits for the sake of being a disciplined individual, that we develop those habits so that we can be successful and navigate all the challenges and adversity we face in our lives. I feel the strong roots I had in Catholic education helped me to implement that well serving as a building leader and now as a district leader. I’m really drawn to what Catholic education is all about. I feel that we are really helping to identify students’ gifts and talents, and helping them find their purpose in the world. We strive for academic excellence for college and career ready, but I feel that in Catholic education we go even further. We’re trying to develop the whole human to form them as a person to journey throughout life to sainthood.”