Oratory Prep Welcomes New Head of School

Oratory Preparatory School welcomes a new head of school for the 2009-2010 school year: Robert Costello.

Costello, who joined the administrative team in July, is no stranger to the Catholic education scene. A product of Catholic school himself, he boasts 20 years’ experience in the field and has served at both his high school and college alma maters.

He spent the last eight years at DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, a co-educational school, first as Director of Development and Enrollment and most recently as President of School. Previous to his work at the secondary level, Costello was also named Vice President for Enrollment Management at Caldwell College, where he was acknowledged for significantly increasing student enrollment.

Costello, who succeeds Marlene Kostka as Head of School, said he views his role as one of leadership in which he plays a main part in establishing the school’s vision and direction.  His main responsibilities include marketing efforts and fundraising, school budget issues, and external outreach to businesses, government, alumni, and school board members, he said.

“There are opportunities for growth here that are appealing and challenging at the same time,” Costello said.

Where necessary, he says he is ready to set goals and make appropriate changes in order to improve and expand the opportunities currently offered at Oratory Prep. His goals include an increase in student enrollment, additional athletic field space, and classroom expansion. And while Costello says he is excited about the possibilities for improvement, he also recognizes the need to exercise patience during the process.

“Oratory Prep in August 2009 will look a lot different than Oratory Prep in 2014,” he predicts.

But Costello said he recognizes that his objectives cannot be properly met without the help of the supportive school community.

“If these improvements are going to happen, it starts with relationships,” he said. “My number one goal is to build relationships, to get to know the students, their families, the alumni, the board, and collaboratively identify the direction the school is going to proceed in.”

Outside of school, the married father of three professes his love for sports. He enjoys playing softball, attending sporting events, and has coached basketball over the years. A lifelong resident of Morris Township, Costello is a parishioner at the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Morristown. He is currently working toward his doctorate through the College of Saint Elizabeth.

While Costello works toward his own degree, his students are preparing to return to school as well. Despite the pressure often associated with the beginning of a new school year, Costello said he's excited for the coming school year.

“I’m looking forward to a team-centered collaborative approach, having all of the stakeholders come together to set the direction for the school,” he said. “And I’m excited about facilitating that because I think it’s ripe for great things to happen.”