A New Chapter in School Board Leadership

Working in conjunction with the school administration, the Notre Dame School Board helps set long-term goals and provides oversight for the school’s educational programs. Working within diocesan, state and accreditation requirements, the Board includes pastors from parishes with students at Notre Dame, the school president, school principal, and lay representatives from parishes throughout the region.

For over a decade, Eric Schuchardt has served as president of the School Board. After his youngest child graduated in 2026, he concluded his board tenure.  

“It is truly the end of an era at Notre Dame High School,” said school President Tim Garner. “Eric Schuchardt has been a rock I have been able to lean on since I transitioned to head of school. He was not only a committed board president, but also a trusted confidant who understood the demands of living a life of faith and purpose, especially when doing so was difficult. I am deeply grateful for his many years of service as board president, and for the trajectory he has helped establish for our school through his leadership of the Board and his commitment to our strategic plan and its implementation. Notre Dame is stronger because of his leadership, and I am personally better for having had the privilege of working alongside him.”

Notre Dame parent Judee Bland is now at the helm, succeeding Schuchardt as the school board president.

Bland became involved at Notre Dame when her oldest child was a freshman in 2019. She was part of the Home & School Association, and volunteered for the freshman class Activity Week dinner and other activities throughout the year.

“I knew it was a very special place with so much history,” she said, “and the energy in the building was palpable!”

During that year, Bland, who is a member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, said her parish priest, Father Rick Jones, asked her if she would be willing to fill an open spot on the Notre Dame School Board, representing St. Vincent.   

“At the time I was hesitant as I was new to the school and wasn’t sure about taking on that responsibility,” she said. “However, looking back, I’m certainly thankful that the opportunity came my way. I have met some pretty great people and feel honored to represent St. Vincent de Paul Parish and grade school. I have a lot of respect for the administrators of our school and what all it takes to run Notre Dame on a day-to-day basis.”

Bland says that Schuchardt has done a wonderful job leading the School Board over the years. Before his departure, he and Garner asked Bland to prayerfully consider taking over the leadership role.

 

“After some meaningful conversations, and armed with the knowledge of many years on the Board already,” she said, “I decided to accept their request. I am looking forward to being a part of the Board in this capacity and working closely with the other Board members.”

Garner said he is excited about working with Bland.

“She has been a valuable member of the board over the years, and has played an important role in helping shape the direction of Notre Dame,” said Garner. “From the beginning, I have appreciated Judee’s willingness to speak candidly and boldly on matters affecting the school. Her perspective has always been grounded in a genuine commitment to our mission and to what is best for our students and our school. As Notre Dame begins its second century, I look forward to working alongside Judee as we continue to build on our strong foundation and thoughtfully shape the path forward.”

In her new role, Bland hopes to strengthen the Board’s connection to the day-to-day life of Notre Dame by bringing in leaders from various school organizations and boards for updates and discussion. By keeping Board members more informed and involved, she wants them to be better equipped to support the school and serve as liaisons to their respective grade schools and parishes.

“I’m very grateful to be asked to lead the School Board,” said Bland, “and I’m looking forward to a wonderful school year!”