The Message Staff
Father Claude “Dusty” Burns, pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Newburgh, recently appointed Katie Hubiak to serve as principal of St. John the Baptist School, effective July 1.
In a Facebook post dated April 15, Father Burns said, “I am confident that Mrs. Hubiak’s demonstrated leadership and experience in her current role as assistant principal, coupled with her strong commitment to the spiritual and academic flourishing of all students, will help her to be an exceptional principal. Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Hubiak on her appointment and in praying for her and for the entire school staff as they prepare for another successful school year in 2025-2026.”
Diocese of Evansville Superintendent of Schools Michelle Priar is “thrilled” about Hubiak being named St. John’s next principal.
“Her strong faith life and commitment to Catholic education are evident, and she brings such a wealth of experience to this position,” Priar said. “Not only does she have Catholic school leadership experience as a previous assistant principal and athletic director, but her connection and love for the St. John school and parish community will help ensure a smooth transition. She joins a list of strong Catholic school administrators throughout our diocese. We’re happy to have her on board!”
Since 2022, Hubiak has served as the assistant principal and athletic director of St. John the Baptist School. Before her current roles, she worked as a resource teacher at St. John, and she taught for nine years in Warrick County schools as a kindergarten and Title I teacher.
Hubiak said she feels so many emotions when asked what it means to be named principal of St. John the Baptist that it’s difficult to put into a few words.
“This is truly a full-circle moment for me,” she said. “I attended SJB (St. John the Baptist) from kindergarten through eighth grade, and now I get to lead every day at that very same school. SJB represents not only excellence in academics and thriving extracurriculars but also a loving family and a lifetime of memories. I have the privilege of guiding and shaping not only my own children but also many children of familiar friends and parish members every single day. It seems surreal, and I could only have dreamed of being in this position when I returned four years ago.”
Hubiak is a graduate of the University of Kentucky in Lexington, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She also earned a Master of Business Administration degree in educational leadership from the University of Indianapolis.
Hubiak and her family are parishioners of St. John the Baptist Parish in Newburgh.
“I have witnessed the wonderful things (outgoing principal) Elizabeth Flatt has implemented over the last 13 years, which I can now continue to shape, mold and expand here at SJB,” Hubiak said. “I am honored to have this opportunity and the support of my community and the Diocese of Evansville.”