2018 Fall Dragon Magazine

O’Dowd’s New
President:
JAMES CHILDS
A familiar face has assumed a new role at O’Dowd.
Former Principal James Childs, M.A., M.Ed., became
O’Dowd’s second president on July 1, succeeding Steve
Phelps who passed away unexpectedly last December.
Childs was initially attracted to O’Dowd because of the
common perspective he shared with Phelps about Catholic
education. “We engaged on a daily basis about building the
future of O’Dowd. I will work hard to honor his vision and
legacy, and my resolve is to continue and intensify the efforts
of his distinguished leadership at O’Dowd, to move our
school forward with the same passion and grace with which
he approached his educational ministry,” he said.
Childs was selected after a comprehensive national search
process, which was led by Interim President and Search Committee
chair Kim Walsh and involved a committee representing
all constituencies of the school, including the Board of
Regents, alumni, faculty, staff, current and past parents.
President Childs gives communion to Grace Wallingford ’19.
“I am deeply honored and excited
to take on the responsibilities and
challenges as the president of Bishop
O’Dowd High School, and feel very
fortunate to be surrounded by
extraordinary leadership and support
as we embark upon the next leg of our
grand expedition together,” he said.
Childs and his wife, Kate, have four children, including Sophia
who is a member of the Class of 2020.
14 // Dragon