Dr. William Latimer

Hyannis — The Diocese of Fall River and St. John Paul II School (JPII) are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. William Latimer as the next Head of School. Dr. Latimer will officially assume the role on March 10th, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to Catholic education and mission-driven leadership.

Daniel Roy, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Fall River, said, “Dr. Latimer’s commitment to the mission of Catholic education and to telling its great and promising story on Cape Cod, along with his ability to foster authentic partnerships to enhance JPII’s resources and opportunities, make him an outstanding choice for this role. He will bring innovative ideas and a steady hand to a school that is poised for a bright future.”

Dr. Latimer’s professional journey exemplifies dedication to Catholic education. Over the course of his career, he has served in significant executive leadership roles at prominent Catholic institutions, including Chestnut Hill College (President), The College of New Rochelle (President), and Mercy College (VP). His leadership at these institutions has been characterized by academic excellence, strategic enrollment growth, innovative partnerships, and a strong commitment to advancing the mission of Catholic education.

As the next Head of School, Dr. Latimer will focus on ensuring JPII thrives in its mission to “welcome students and families from diverse faiths and backgrounds who desire a college preparatory, Catholic education.” Dr. Latimer explained, “the opportunity to embrace and advance the mission of St. John Paul II School resonates deeply with both my personal and professional experiences. The work of integrating faith, intellectual rigor, and social-emotional development aligns with my passion for fostering transformative educational opportunities that prepare students for success in college, career, and beyond.”

Dr. Latimer has identified five key areas that will guide his vision for the future of JPII:

  1. Championing and deepening the Catholic mission of the school.
  2. Strengthening enrollment and student success.
  3. Developing meaningful partnerships to enhance resources and opportunities.
  4. Implementing a comprehensive approach to advancement and development.
  5. Ensuring stability and excellence in leadership.

A Dennis, Mass. homeowner for 22 years, Dr. Latimer, and his wife, Dr. Maria Khan, decided in 2023 to make Cape Cod their permanent home. “I can think of no better place than Cape Cod for Maria and me to raise our three school-aged daughters,” he said.

SJPII Grades 9-12 Facility

After an extensive search process led by Michael Furey from Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions, over 20 applicants from near and far competed for this position. Five well-qualified semifinalists were advanced to the search committee for further review and evaluation. This dedicated and engaged committee included stakeholders from the school’s constituencies including JPII’s advisory board, faculty, staff, and current parents, as well as the diocesan Chancery and Catholic Schools Office. After carefully considering these candidates, the committee invited all five candidates to their first-round interview process. From those multi-day activities, the search committee then advanced three of these candidates to the second round for further conversation and evaluation. This nine-person search committee, chaired by diocesan Assistant Superintendent Vin
Mancuso, then unanimously identified Dr. Latimer as its top candidate.

SJPII Grades 5-8 Facility

JPII Board Chair Steve Hamel shared, “After a robust and thorough search and vetting process, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Latimer to the St. John Paul II School family. His proven leadership, innovative vision, and commitment to the mission of Catholic education make him the ideal choice to lead our community forward.”

JPII’s Interim Head of School, John Redding, will continue to serve the community through this leadership transition. “We are excited to welcome Bill Latimer as the new Head of School,” he said. “With his extensive background and experience, he is poised to lead JPII toward lasting success and a bright future. I am confident he will be a valuable addition to our community.”

Please join us in welcoming Dr. William Latimer as the next Head of School of St. John Paul II School. We look forward to officially welcoming the Latimer Family into the school’s vibrant and faith-filled community over the coming weeks.

About St. John Paul II School:

St. John Paul II School is a Cape Cod Catholic school that welcomes students and families from
diverse faiths and backgrounds who desire a college preparatory, Catholic education. The school’s
academic, artistic, athletic, and co-curricular programs cultivate strong relationships and empower
students to recognize their gifts, develop their potential, and communicate Christ in word and deed.
Emulating their patron, St. John Paul II, students pursue truth through faith and reason, preparing
them to lead lives of continuous learning, respect, and community leadership.
St. John Paul II School serves Cape Cod, the Canal region, and South Shore students in Grades 5-
12 in two facilities located across from one another on one campus.


Contact Information:
John P. Redding, Interim Head of School
St. John Paul II School
(p) 508.862.6336
jredding@JPIIHyannis.org

Diocese of Fall River
Diocese of Fall River
Office of Communications