Mr. Kevin Burke Named Principal of Salesianum School

Mr. Kevin Burke

The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales are excited to share that Mr. Tom Kardish, President of Salesianum School, released a statement announcing Salesianum School’s new principal. Excerpts from his announcement are below:

“The selection of Mr. Kevin Burke as the 18th Principal of Salesianum will be effective July 1, 2026. Kevin brings more than two decades of experience in all-boys, independent, Catholic education, most recently serving as Principal of Holy Ghost Preparatory School in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, since 2019, where he has also held interim roles as President and Director of Enrollment Management.”

In accepting the role, Mr. Burke shared, ‘My wife, Carla, our children, and I are grateful and excited for the opportunity to join the Salesianum community. The school’s commitment to forming young men of faith, character, and intellect rooted in the Salesian call to Live Jesus is both inspiring and compelling. I look forward to partnering with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales to advance the Salesian charism and walk alongside our students, faculty, and families as we continue this important mission together. Once you encounter the mission of Salesianum, it’s something you don’t let go of.’”

The Oblates are grateful for Fr. J. Christian Beretta, OSFS, and his ministry as the 17th principal who served in this role since 2010. We look ahead with confidence to this next chapter and welcome Mr. Burke into the Salesianum community.

All are invited to learn more at Salesianum’s upcoming State of the School presentation on January 29 at 6:00 PM.

Salesianum School and the Oblates:

“Salesianum was founded in 1903 by Rev. Charles Fromentin, Rev. Louis Jacquier, and Rev. James Isenring — three French-speaking Oblate priests who took the train from New York City to Wilmington’s Trolley Square.

Invited by the Most Rev. John Monaghan, the Bishop of Wilmington, the priests wanted to establish a boys’ secondary school for the city’s growing immigrant and industrial base. The result was The French School. Funded by the Sisters of the Visitation, the school began at a house at the corner of 8th and West Streets.

By the fall of 1903, the school’s name had changed to reflect its roots in Saint Francis de Sales’ teachings — Salesianum, or the House of Sales. In September, the school welcomed its first 12 students. And in 1907, four graduates became the first Salesian Gentlemen.”…Read more