St. Monica High School in Santa Monica has named James Spellman as the new principal for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Spellman has a master’s degree in secondary school administration from Loyola Marymount University and has 15 years of experience as a Catholic school administrator. From 2011 to 2017, he served as the assistant principal at Immaculate Heart High School & Middle School in Los Angeles, where he received recognition for the students’ increased academic and behavioral performances.

“I am excited to join St. Monica, a school that lives its mission and creates a cohesive educational experience for a diverse range of learners who graduate prepared for success in college and beyond,” Spellman said.