VCHS president announces retirement

Vandebilt Catholic President David Keife last week announced to faculty he would decline an option to renew his contract and retire from his post effective June 30.

Keife has served in various positions at the school over his 43-year career, including principal.

“I am respecting the one contract which I signed before the first Vandebilt contract … my marriage contract,” Keife said, according to a press release issued by the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. “My wife and I are looking forward to life not dominated by meetings and phone calls.”

Marian Fertitta, the dioscean superintendent, thanked Keife for his service to Vandebilt.

“During his tenure he has helped to move the school forward and to bring it into the 21st Century,” Fertitta said in a printed statement. “We wish David well and hope he enjoys a healthy and happy retirement.”

Keife remembered his tenure with fond recollection.

“During those many years, I have had the privilege of working with many great people, who wholly supported the mission of the school,” he said. “Several thousand young people have graduated in my years here, with the vast majority well prepared not only for higher education, but for life itself.

Keife told faculty they have been and will be vital to Vandebilt’s success.

“Take comfort in knowing that you who put students first, who see Christ in those young people with whom you work, you who do all you can to see that each child has the opportunity to succeed, you who reach out to those students in need … you are the critical element in Vandebilt’s success.”

Diocesan staff are retained on year-to-year contracts. The diocese announced last month it would commence a search for a new principal after a renewal option was not presented to Jim Reiss.