Father Michael Murphy announced the appointment of Erika Rosas as the new principal of Sacred Heart Parish School beginning in the academic year of 2024-25.
Rosas is a resident of Coronado and a parish member, as well as an alumni of Sacred Heart. She has been a faculty member at the school for over a decade, first working in the classroom and later becoming the assistant principal.
She will also be the first lay woman to serve as principal.
“We are excited about Ms. Rosas as the new principal,” Murphy said. “As a former student, teacher and vice-principal, she has a rich history and deep understanding of our school’s mission and Catholic values… Now as our first lay woman in our 76 year history, she will continue the tradition of our faith-based mission and excellent academics.”
After attending Sacred Heart from first through eighth grade, Rosas said she moved away to attend high school, serve the church and get her bachelor’s degree in religious and pastoral studies. She then returned to San Diego.
“The first thing I did was come to Sacred Heart,” Rosas said. “I talked to Father Mike, who was the pastor, to see what was available.”
Rosas said she started as a substitute teacher before moving on to a kindergarten aid and fifth grade teacher—all while finishing her multiple-subject credential, special education credential, master’s in special education and her credential in administrative services.
It was after finishing her master’s degree that Rosas created a learning center. The center is for students with individualized education plans, those diagnosed with specific learning disabilities, or others struggling with reading, math and writing.
She also created a summer camp with her sister that is open to the entire Coronado community ages 4-10.
She said the education provided to students at Sacred Heart is well-rounded and centered on the whole person, and that is a mission Rosas hopes to continue and expand upon in her new role.
“I feel very inspired to continue to create and take the school to its full potential,” Rosas said. “I see so much potential for this school, and I’m just so excited to have this opportunity to put all of my knowledge, all of my experience, but also all of the history that I bring with the school.”
