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He's Banking On Education

Tribune photo by MICHAEL SPOONEYBARGER

Assistant principal Carol DeMarinis talks over an issue with Principal Thomas Reidy at Tampa Catholic High School.

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By JOSE PATINO GIRONA

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 27, 2008

WELLSWOOD - As soon as he graduated from Florida Southern College, Thomas Reidy took his business administration degree into the financial sector.

The rat race proved disconcerting in short order, though. Reidy, who played college baseball on scholarship, longed to work with youngsters.

"The great thing about working in education is there seems to be a sense of accomplishment that is deeper than the numbers on your paycheck," said Reidy, 33, who began this school year as the new principal at Tampa Catholic High School, 4630 N. Rome Ave.

"In the business world, it seemed like sell, sell, sell. How much money have you brought in? How many loans have you brought in? That was my first job out of college and I knew I didn't want to do that the rest of my life," he said.

Tampa Catholic hired him 11 years ago as a business education teacher. Back then his goal was to teach and become the school's baseball coach, which he was from 2002 to 2006.

After one year of teaching, he was asked to also be an assistant dean of discipline. He was promoted to assistant principal of student life.

"I don't know how it happened," said Reidy, who has a master's in education from National-Louis University. "It all just seemed to fall into place.

"I think I enjoy the fact that I get to deal with all aspects of running the school," he said.

Reidy said his role is to be the private school's chief executive officer and work with the 80 faculty members, 737 students, alumni and the community. He also is responsible for planning for the school, which opened in 1962.

The school is building three retention ponds in the athletics area. Once they are completed, Reidy plans to begin raising money for an outdoor multipurpose facility for tennis and other sports.

"I can see myself being here a long time," Reidy said. "Hopefully, some of those goals will come to fruition under my leadership."

Reidy was born and raised in Vermont and graduated from high school in Hollywood, Fla. He lives in Riverview with his wife, Tara, and their two children.

Craig Latimer, the school's volunteer board chairman, said Reidy is mature, bright and a good communicator.

"He is forthright when he talks to you," Latimer said. "He is all about being honest and up front."

Reidy said the weak economy is an obstacle for private schools. Tampa Catholic's annual tuition is $8,490 for students registered at a Catholic parish and $10,990 for others. But enrollment has held steady, he said.

Reidy plans to be walking the campus, working with faculty and challenging students.

"I think when you are visible you can hold people accountable for what your expectations are," he said.

Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached at (813) 259-7659 or jpatino@tampatrib.com.

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