Steele ‘Humbled’ to Take Over as John Carroll’s Principal

“I intend to continue fulfilling John Carroll’s mission of infusing God in all areas of the student experience to educate the whole person,” Ronald Steele said.

By Rubin E. Grant

Ronald Steele laughed at the notion.

If Steele, John Carroll Catholic’s boys basketball coach, sends one of his players to the principal’s office for disciplinary reasons, he will be there awaiting their arrival.

That’s because Steele was named John Carroll’s principal in late June.

“It’s not something I planned, but God opened up the opportunity,” Steele said.

Former Principal Anthony Montalto was put on leave in April and Steele, who also was the school’s athletic director, began performing duties with Assistant Principal Banyon Allison to finish the school year. When the principal’s job was posted, Steele decided to pursue it.

“A few years ago, I got my administrative degree and when I became athletic director I began taking on other responsibilities,” Steele said. “I went through the application process and the interviews for the principal’s job. 

“I’m both humbled and excited for the opportunity to serve as John Carroll’s principal. I intend to continue fulfilling John Carroll’s mission of infusing God in all areas of the student experience to educate the whole person. I am eager to partner with our students, families, staff and stakeholders in celebrating the legacy of John Carroll while leading its future. I want to thank our president, Father Jon Chalmers, Margaret Dubose, superintendent of schools and chair of the Catholic Schools Office, and the entire search committee for entrusting me with this exciting opportunity.” 

Perhaps no one is more associated with John Carroll in the 21st Century than Steele. He graduated from John Carroll in 2004 after leading the Cavaliers’ basketball team to state championships in 2003 and 2004 under head coach Marty Smith. He was the first person in Alabama history to win the state’s Mr. Basketball twice and was a second team Parade All-American in 2004 before playing in college at the University of Alabama.

Steele coached the Cavs’ girls basketball team in 2015 and was named the school’s athletic director and boys basketball coach in 2017.

According to a statement from John Carroll, as athletic director, “Steele increased program quality and engagement while building out critical initiatives focused on education of the whole person, virtue development, and partner-school relationships.”

Steele will continue to coach the Cavs’ boys basketball team.

“I have a passion for athletics and a passion for education,” Steele said. “I made a commitment to this current group of players and my plan is to fulfill that commitment.”

Steele will relinquish his athletic director duties, but no replacement has been named.

“The AD job is going to be a group responsibility,” he said.

First Black Principal

Steele was ambivalent about becoming the first black principal in the school’s 76-year history.

“To be honest, I didn’t know I was until I saw a story about it,” he said. “It’s significant, but we already had a diverse school, racially and social-economically. I guess it’s something I should take pride in, but I’m trying to focus on the quality of the students we have and the staff. I’m happy to (be the) first one, I guess it’s a positive.”

Steele holds an undergraduate degree from Alabama and a master’s of education in administration and supervision from Marymount University.

“In these rapidly changing times, I am confident that our leadership team, led by Mr. Steele, will steward John Carroll’s proud legacies and ensure that our school remains boldly Catholic, academically excellent and rooted in truth,” Chalmers said. 

John Carroll also announced the hiring of 1996 alum Dr. Katie King as director of curriculum and instruction. 

Steele officially took over as principal on July 1, although he was already engaged with the duties the position requires.

“So far, it’s been busy,” he said. “I’m trying to get it together cause school is right around the corner. Aug. 3 is the first day of school.

“I’m doing a lot, but it’s not like it’s a new situation. The staff has been here for a while and I know the teachers, so that makes the transition easier. There’s a lot of history here and I feel I can continue to grow it.”