SCHOOL ADVISORY Council
The strategic planning process has led to the appointment of a School Advisory Committee that is charged with implementing and updating the strategic plan. The School Advisory Committee and its subcommittees meet regularly throughout the school year. The subcommittees have been charged with specific responsibilities related to the strategic plan and will be working diligently toward meeting their goals and objectives. The School Advisory Committee members are listed below. Please feel free to discuss any issues you may have with any School Advisory Council member.
St. Clare – Governance Structure
St. Clare – School Advisory Committee ByLaws
MEMBERS
Father O'Shea, Pastor
Rita Kissel, Principal Mrs. Rita Kissel is the Principal of St. Clare Catholic School. Mrs. Kissel has worked in the Diocese of Palm Beach for over 18 years in a variety of capacities including: 3rd. 5th and 6th grade teacher, Media Specialist, Assistant Principal, and Dean of Discipline and Student Affairs. She has a background in business and sales as well as education and leadership.
Rachel Polak, Assistant Principal Mrs. Rachel Polak is the Assistant Principal at St. Clare Catholic School. She has a combined 17 years of teaching and administrative experience in Catholic schools.
Andy Baker* Andy Baker is the coordinator of youth and young adult ministry for the Diocese of Palm Beach and a member of Saint Clare Catholic Church. Andy is married to Elsa (Pre-K teaching assistant) and dad of Isabella (4th grade). Before moving to South Florida Andy served in the same ministry position in the Diocese of Raleigh, NC, and for more than 20 years prior, as the Pastoral Associate, Director of Faith Formation and Youth Minister at two parishes in northeast central Florida. Andy’s desire is to share the good news of Jesus Christ and to bring young people and their families to an encounter with Jesus Christ.
Alan Donath Alan is a parishioner at St. Clare Church and is the father of alumni Grace Donath, (class of 2018). Grace is currently a student at Cardinal Newman High School and will graduate this year. Alan is also a graduate of Cardinal Newman High School (class of 1981) and graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 1986 with a B.A. in Business Administration. Since 1996 he has owned and operated Wolf Wire Forms which manufactures fishing tackle parts locally. He lives in North Palm Beach with his wife Kerry and daughter Grace.
Paul Frasca*
Paul is an alumni of St. Clare Catholic School (1986), parent of alumni (Alexandra, 2020) and current parent (Samantha, 2022). He is also a graduate of Cardinal Newman High School (1990) and a parent of a currently enrolled Newman attendee. Paul graduated from Florida State University before beginning his nearly three-decade career in the information technology sector. For the past 11 years, he has held the position of President/Owner of MOSA Technology Solutions, which specializes in biometric security solutions supporting customers in Federal, State and local governments as well as many private/ public schools throughout Florida. Paul lives in North Palm Beach with his wife Courtney and in his free time you will find him enjoying the South Florida lifestyle offshore fishing or playing a round of golf.
Tami Hunting* Tami Hunting is the Home and School Association President. Tami’s daughter is in first grade attending her fourth year at St. Clare Catholic School. The Hunting family are also parishioners of St. Clare Church.
Cara MacVane* Cara MacVane is president of CKM Consultants- a media and public relations firm serving clients throughout Palm Beach County. Specializing in assisting nonprofits, Cara currently represents Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County, Executive Women of the Palm Beaches, Vita Nova, Palm Beach Island Hospice Foundation, the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, as well as Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope and RDK Melanoma Foundation just to name a few. Cara received her Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Florida Atlantic University and has been a Public Relations professional since 1999. In addition to serving on the St. Clare Catholic School Advisory Council, Cara serves on the Board of the We Are Dwyer Foundation and a Board Member of Impact the Palm Beaches, a philanthropic organization where women collectively give to nonprofits in Central and Northern Palm Beach County to ignite transformational change. Cara resides in North Palm Beach with her husband and their three children
Ted Ring
Ted Ring was baptized at St Clare's Church. He and his two daughters are alumni, and his oldest daughter teaches first grade at our school. Ted is a past Grand Knight of Santa Maria Council of Knights of Columbus and is very involved in youth activities, and has led the basketball free throw competition for many years. Ted and his wife, Becky, have contributed countless volunteer hours over the years to our school. In his free time, you will find Ted at the beach or out at sea fishing with his family and friends.
Karen Smith* Karen Smith is the Admissions Director at St. Clare Catholic School where her son is in middle school. Having attended Catholic schools herself, she knows the importance and values of a Catholic education and has called St. Clare home since joining the staff in 2018.
*Denotes SCCS Parent