Cosgriff teacher steps into principal's position

Friday, Sep. 04, 2020

SALT LAKE CITY — As the new school year begins, J.E. Cosgriff Memorial Catholic School has welcomed Lisa Romero as their new principal.

However, she’s not an unfamiliar face at the school. For 20 years, she taught first and fourth grade at Cosgriff. She then completed a master’s degree in school administration with an emphasis in Catholic school leadership from Creighton University. She received a scholarship through the Catholic school’s leadership program.

After receiving the advanced degree, Romero worked for six years at St. John the Baptist Elementary and at St. Vincent de Paul School, before returning to J. E. Cosgriff as principal.

“She brings all of this training and experience back to J.E. Cosgriff School, where she has been working diligently to successfully re-open the school as the new principal,” said Mark Longe, Utah Catholic Schools superintendent.

Romero is a person of faith “who is dedicated to the mission of Catholic education,” he added.

Romero has always wanted to be a school teacher, she said. “I had kind of a natural instinct. My mom was a teacher, and through her example I was able to develop a love for the profession.” 

Teaching is a “very dynamic job, and a gift that God has given,” she said. 

For 32 years, Romero has been a parishioner at St. Ambrose, where she served in many ministries.

“I have a long relationship with the school and the parish,” she said. “I am happy to be back here where I have spent so much time.”

Becoming the principal right when the COVID-19 pandemic is at its peak in Utah is a challenge but also an opportunity, she said.

“I am very grateful to the people in the diocese for welcoming me,” she said. “I am really fortunate to be here again and I am very excited to get to work. We are just wanting to keep everyone safe and healthy and keep the learning and keep going.” 

Although Romero’s leadership skills have been especially put to the test this year because of the pandemic, Longe is confident that, with her experience, education and love for her students and community, “she will do a wonderful job at J.E. Cosgriff school,” he said.

Romero said that she appreciates all the prayers during these uncertain times, but with the support she receives from the community, a positive outlook and willingness to follow protocols “We hope that we can keep our school open and as a place for the students to thrive.”