Welcome to Erie Catholic
Welcome to the Erie Catholic School System, a community where faith, learning, and growth come together to shape the hearts and minds of young people. At our school campuses, we believe education is about more than just academics—it’s about nurturing the whole child. Each day, our students experience a blend of rigorous academics, meaningful spiritual formation, and personal development, all within a warm, supportive environment. Our preschool-through-eighth-grade campuses include:
- Our Lady of Peace
- Saint George School
- Saint James School
- Saint Jude School
- Saint Luke School
Our dedicated teachers and staff are committed to fostering curiosity, encouraging character, and instilling values that last a lifetime. We focus not only on academic excellence but also on building a foundation of faith, kindness, and service. Here, children are seen, known, and loved, with individual needs met through personalized attention and small class sizes.
If you’re exploring the possibilities of Catholic education, we invite you to learn more about our schools, meet our passionate educators, and experience the community spirit that makes Erie Catholic special. Whether you’re interested in enrolling your child or simply learning more about who we are, we look forward to welcoming you into our community.
Latest News
As we begin a new school year, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead for the Erie Catholic School System. First, I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to Janice Whiteman, who served as Erie Catholic's transition director since February, for her extraordinary dedication. In this unique role, she provided steady leadership to our principals, helped prepare our campuses for the year ahead, and guided the system with the same passion for Catholic education that has always defined her service. Because of her hard work, Erie Catholic is well-positioned to continue its mission of forming young hearts and minds in faith, knowledge, and service. Now, as I step into my role as president, I look forward to building on that strong foundation. Together with our principals, teachers, and families, my focus will be threefold: to welcome more families into our schools by growing enrollment, to joyfully share the great things happening across all of our campuses, and to listen closely to our parents so we can better understand how to serve the needs of today’s students. But this work cannot rest on our schools alone. The beauty of Catholic education is that it flourishes when it is rooted in the life of the Church and supported by the wider community. To our parents, grandparents, and parishioners: I encourage you to be active participants in this mission. Whether through volunteering in the classroom, supporting events, serving on a parish or school campus committee, or simply sharing your story of why Catholic education matters to you, your involvement strengthens our schools and inspires others to see its value. I also want to extend a special word to our alumni. Erie has a rich history of Catholic education, and while many beloved schools have closed over the years, their legacy lives on in Erie Catholic. This is your home, too. It is a place where you can gather in fellowship, celebrate your roots, and help ensure that future generations of students experience the same blessings you once received. Your prayers, presence, and support allow us to carry forward a tradition of faith and excellence that has shaped our community for decades. When we join together in faith, we not only shape the future of our students, but we also shine a light on the positive impact Catholic education has on our greater community. Our students learn to lead with integrity, to serve with compassion, and to see the world through the lens of faith—gifts that ripple far beyond the walls of our classrooms. Let us begin this school year in prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Catholic education in Erie. As we begin this new year, guide our students to grow in wisdom, faith, and love. Inspire our families, faculty, alumni, and parishioners to work together as stewards of this mission, so that Your presence may be known in our schools and throughout our community. Amen. With gratitude and hope, Travis Washko President, Erie Catholic School System
Erie, PA – Erie Catholic School System (ECSS) is proud to announce Tanner Verplancke as its new athletic coordinator, a role that will lead and strengthen the system’s commitment to education-based athletics rooted in teamwork, character, and Catholic values. Verplancke brings deep experience across multiple levels of interscholastic and collegiate athletics, having worked with student-athletes and coaches in a wide range of sports programs. Most recently, he served as the assistant athletic director at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, where he was responsible for supporting and enhancing the student-athlete and fan experience across football, women’s basketball, volleyball, softball, and tennis. With a lifelong love for sports and an understanding of their power to shape young lives, Verplancke is passionate about building inclusive, mission-driven programs that support students on and off the field. “I’m very grateful to the Erie Catholic School System for this opportunity,” said Verplancke. “I’m excited to help further enhance athletics in Erie and showcase the positive impact that participating in sports can have in our students’ lives.” A native of Buffalo, Wyoming, Verplancke began his career in athletics at the University of Wyoming, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing and a minor in economics. He later earned a master’s degree in sports management from Minot State University, where he also supported athletic operations. Across his career, he has worked directly with student-athletes, coaches, and athletic staff to create programs that build confidence, discipline, and community. Within Erie Catholic, Verplancke will oversee system-wide athletic programming across all campuses. His work will focus on building a strong foundation for student-athletes, developing leadership among coaches, and expanding access to meaningful, mission-aligned sports experiences for every student.
As the Erie Catholic School System prepares for the 2025-2026 academic year, it is pleased to announce several strategic leadership appointments across its central office and school campuses. These changes reflect Erie Catholic’s continued commitment to advancing its mission of providing high-quality Catholic education throughout the region. New President to Lead System Effective August 1, Mr. Travis Washko will officially assume the role of president of the Erie Catholic School System. Washko brings to the position a deep passion for education and a strong vision for the system’s future, building on Erie Catholic’s foundation of faith, academic excellence, and community. Central Office Leadership Updates Mrs. Lisa Panighetti, who served this past year as interim principal at Our Lady of Peace School, will return full-time to her role as vice president of academic affairs. Panighetti will continue to oversee system-wide academic initiatives, ensuring all campuses meet the highest standards of educational excellence. Additionally, Sr. Katherine Horan, OSB, has been appointed to a newly established position as director of spiritual development and student services. In this role, Sr. Katherine will lead the catechist formation of administrators, teachers, and staff as well as oversee campus ministry programming, and direct all Department of Human Services (DHS) programs such as extended care and summer programs. Her extensive experience in Catholic education and dedication to spiritual formation will be instrumental in supporting Erie Catholic’s mission. School Campus Leadership Transitions Mr. Bill Hall will retire after years of dedicated service. He most recently served as principal of Saint George School Campus. Erie Catholic extends its gratitude for his leadership and wishes him well. Mr. Brian Bradish, an accomplished educator from Washington State with experience in academic leadership and student formation, has been named the new principal. Joining him will be Mrs. Sherry Ehrenreich as assistant principal, returning to Saint George after serving this past year at Our Lady of Peace. Mrs. Emily Fluegel has been appointed principal of Our Lady of Peace School Campus. Fluegel previously served as OLP’s assistant principal, bringing deep knowledge of the school community. Mr. Corey Ferraro, who served in an interim administrative role at Saint George School Campus, has been named the new assistant principal. Ferraro is recognized for his energy, care, and commitment to Catholic education. Strength of the System “These leadership transitions are the result of intentional planning and a clear understanding of each school’s needs,” said Janice Whiteman, transition director at Erie Catholic School System. “As a system, we have the ability to place the right leaders where their unique gifts can best serve our students, staff, and families. This approach ensures a mission-aligned, high-quality educational experience across all five of our campuses.” More detailed introductions and opportunities for families to meet their new school leaders will be shared in the coming weeks.
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