Dr. Barbara Rothweiler will retire as principal of St. Pius X High School on June 30, 2020, after 28 years of service to the school and the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. During that time Rothweiler served as a counselor, assistant principal-dean of students, and assistant principal-curriculum and instruction. She spent the past 15 years as principal of St. Pius X. 

“It is with a heavy heart that my chapter as an educator is ending,” Rothweiler said in a letter to parents. “I am starting a new chapter in my book of life. It is time for me to refocus my journey and spend time with my family, my hobbies and improve my health.”

During Rothweiler’s tenure, SPX advanced into the digital age and was prepared to educate students from any location even before the COVID-19 shut down beginning in March forced the issue. Students were on spring break March 9-13 when government and community leaders began to recognize the seriousness of the virus. St. Pius X administration and faculty were able to act quickly due to prior planning and implementation of the necessary technology, with each student already issued a Chromebook for regular use in class and at home. Virtual online teaching began March 17 with classes meeting for discussion online, along with teachers preparing video lessons and assignments from home.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Rothweiler for 28 years,” said Barbara Ducaj ’79, St. Pius X assistant principal of academics and math instructor. “For the entire time I worked with her, her students were her focus and her passion. As a counselor, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal and Principal, she has always put the needs and concerns of students as a priority.”

“Throughout the years, Dr. Rothweiler knew that the hard work of providing a quality education was not just meant to prepare students for college, it was meant to prepare students for life,” added Fr. John Trambley, president of St. Pius X High School. “Life is filled with choices, and the goal of a Catholic education is to help students make good choices, leading to the ultimate goal which is spending eternity with Our Lord Jesus Christ. Every decision she made was with the students in mind.”

Other recent improvements implemented under Rothweiler’s leadership include a new website and increased measures of security on the campus.

“Dr. Rothweiler has been a catalyst for continuous school improvement to ensure that all students were receiving the best curriculum and methodologies delivered by the best teachers,” said Orlando Rodriguez, SPX assistant principal of instruction. “She has made a difference in the lives of so many students, faculty and staff, in her education career. Her contribution, guidance, leadership, and collegiality to St. Pius for over 25 years will always be appreciated.”