Kim Shields has returned to St. Mary School in Gilroy as principal in August after leading St. Justin School as principal for six years.
Shields taught first grade and fourth grade at St. Mary School for eight years, leaving in 2006 when she accepted the position at St. Justin School.
“I am truly blessed to be a Catholic school administrator and I am very excited that I am able to continue my ministry in Catholic education back at St. Mary School,” Shields said.
Born in Tacoma, Wash., Shields grew up a military brat, moving every couple of years. Shields graduated from Leland High School in San Jose. A graduate of University of California at Santa Barbara, Shields, 52, and her husband moved to Gilroy in 1988.
She and her family have been parishioners of St. Mary Church in Gilroy for the past 24 years.
She taught in public schools for three years before coming to St. Mary School.
She earned her teaching credential from San Jose State University and earned her master’s degree from Chapman University in 2000.
She began teaching at St. Mary School in 1998. During her tenure at St. Mary School, she was the technology coordinator for six years and set up the tutoring program.
Both of Shields’ sons, now 20 and 23, are graduates of St. Mary School.
Shields said she is pleased to see that St. Mary School has a strong Catholic identity.
“We are a Catholic school. I am here for the kids and everything we do has to be what is best for the kids,” Shields said.
Christa Hanson retired as principal of St. Mary School last year after 22 years of service.
