WHEELING, W.Va. –

Wheeling Central Catholic High School principal Julie Shively announced she is leaving Monday.

According to the school’s website, Shively said that she is resigning her position as principal of Central Catholic High School in Wheeling at the end of the 2012-2013 academic year. Shively informed Rev. Msgr. Eugene Ostrowski, designated pastor of CCHS, of her decision on Feb. 28, 2013.

During Shively's two years as CCHS principal, Central has made significant gains in the areas of Catholic identity, academic rigor, and community outreach.

Ostrowski announced that a search committee will be formed so that a new educational leader will be in place in advance of the upcoming academic year. "We will look to a new principal to build upon the strong traditions and Catholic foundation that exist at Central while also continuing to build upon recent successes," Ostrowski said.

"Even during this time of change, the strong administrative and academic team at Central Catholic will ensure that this will be a seamless transition for the remainder of this school year and into the next," Ostrowski added.

Vincent de Paul Schmidt, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, responded to Shively’s resignation.

“We are grateful for Julie’s two years of leadership at Wheeling Central,” Schmidt said. “Her opportunities are many, given her background and skill set. The Diocese wishes her well in her future endeavors.”

Schmidt said that he would assist the school’s search committee as it begins its work to secure a new educational leader by the next school year. He also mentioned that faculty and student leadership were informed of her decision after school dismissed on March 4. The school board for Central Catholic was informed at a meeting at 5:30 p.m. March 4.

“The academic and student traditions at Central Catholic will obviously continue,” Schmidt said. “The mission and values that permeate all facets of student and alumni life at Central Catholic will most certainly carry on.”

Shively replaced Dr. Joseph Viglietta who retired after 40 years of service to the school back in 2011.