Al Falkner named G-Prep president

Al Falkner has spent most of his adult life at Gonzaga Prep. The lifelong Spokane resident and Central Valley High School graduate began his career at the Jesuit college preparatory school in 1974, where he coached and taught English for 21 years.

He has worked as the school’s athletic director and counselor. In 1995 he became principal and on July 1, Falkner, 52, will succeed John Traynor as the school’s president.

“I loved being principal,” said Falkner. He explained that as principal, he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the school and that the position of president is equivalent to a public school district’s superintendent.

“As president, my job is to make sure the school’s mission is being fostered, promoted and followed,” said Falkner.

The president also works with the greater Spokane and North Idaho communities, getting the word out that Gonzaga Prep offers an excellent education. “The focus here is on college preparation, faith, values, and contributing to the community. Students leave here prepared,” said Falkner.

The Jesuit tradition of education spans five centuries.

“Jesuit education is the oldest education system of its kind in the world, educating the whole person; the mind, body and soul. It teaches students how to think and is a rigorous academic model. This school is great at helping students maximize their potential,” said Falkner.

According to Falkner, 98 percent of this year’s graduating seniors are furthering their education by attending college, 91 percent to four-year colleges and universities across the country.

The school, founded in 1887, has 870 students. Sixty-five students commute from Idaho; one student drives back and forth from Moscow every day.

Seventy-five percent of the students attending are Catholic, and classes are taught in the Catholic tradition, but students of different faiths are welcome. Falkner sees this as an opportunity for dialogue and diversity.

There have been significant changes during the 30 years Falkner has been at the school. In 1975 the school (previously all-male) became co-educational. “I think this changed the school in a positive way. Allowing both men and women to have this experience fulfilled the (school’s) mission completely,” said Falkner.

Another major change came in 1982, when the school instituted its Fair Share tuition plan based on family income. “Before Fair Share the wealthy kids and the very poor could go, but the middle income families were being squeezed out. This is the only Jesuit school in the country that uses this model. That means more ethnic and economic diversity within the school.

“Most people don’t know that 24 percent of the students here would be eligible for free or reduced lunches. No one knows what anyone else pays,” said Falkner. “Next year’s tuition will be $7,400; some may pay $900, some $7,400.”

Fund-raising is an important aspect of the president’s job. “He’s the “director of the work,” working with the board of trustees for the human and spiritual endowment for the students and financial endowment of the school.

According to Falkner the school has an endowment fund of more than $10 million, and the interest supports the Fair Share program.

Falkner sees Gonzaga Prep as a strong Catholic presence in the community, along with Gonzaga University and the Spokane diocese.

“We have the opportunity to truly challenge students to be the best that they can be; to become great thinkers who challenge what they see in the world and help make the world a better place. Everybody should try to help their fellow human beings and this school fosters important values in life — to ‘Seek God in all things,’ ” said Falkner.

Through the school’s Arrupe Project, a community outreach and service learning program, students tutor neighborhood children at Logan, Bemiss, Longfellow, St. Aloysius, and St. Patrick’s elementary schools. They also work with community centers and neighborhood councils.

The school’s former president, John Traynor, will become president emeritus July 1. Traynor was a member of the Prep board of trustees from 1976 to 1984. In 1989, he became Prep’s principal and in 1995 he became the first layperson in the United States to become the president of a Jesuit school.

“John Traynor was my mentor and one of my best friends at Prep. All of us stand on the shoulders of those that have gone before us. He has meant so much to this school,” said Falkner.

Kevin Booth, who comes to Prep from Okotoks, Alberta, has been named principal and will assume his new role on July 1.

Booth has Jesuit roots, which began as a student at St. Paul’s High School in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he later served as vice principal.

Booth has also served as principal of O’Grady Catholic School and vice principal of St. Mary’s School in Okotoks.

“Kevin is an experienced educator in Jesuit schools who brings enthusiasm and inspiration to Gonzaga Prep,” said Falkner.