Guerin Catholic President Deacon Rick Wagner Retires
Deacon Rick Wagner, who has led Guerin Catholic High School since 2021, will retire at the end of the 2026-27 school year.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Catholicism
Live Poll
Do you think local Catholic schools are still providing a quality education?
Guerin Catholic High School President Deacon Rick Wagner will retire at the end of the 2026-27 school year after a 42-year career in Catholic education. The Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana will search for his successor, aiming to name one by March 1, 2027.
Why it matters
Wagner's retirement opens leadership of one of Indianapolis's Catholic high schools and sets a timeline for the diocese to select its next president. The transition marks the end of a long tenure that began with his service as principal from 2007 to 2013.
Wagner has spent 42 years in Catholic education and held the Guerin Catholic presidency since 2021 after serving as principal from 2007 to 2013. The diocese's search for a successor has not yet produced a name, and the committee's membership has not been disclosed.
The players
Deacon Rick Wagner
Wagner is a longtime Catholic educator with a 42-year career who has led Guerin Catholic High School in Indianapolis and remains a deacon in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana
The diocese oversees Guerin Catholic High School and is leading the search for its next president.
The details
Wagner has also held leadership roles at Bishop Chatard High School and Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School. He plans to spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren, continue leading retreats and workshops, and remain a deacon for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis at St. Pius X parish.
Timeline
2007 to 2013: Wagner serves as Guerin Catholic principal.
2021: Wagner becomes Guerin Catholic president.
End of 2026-27 school year: Wagner's retirement takes effect.
March 1, 2027: Target date for naming the next president.
Season Trajectory
Catholic high school presidencies in Indiana are typically filled through diocesan search committees rather than open public processes. Wagner's departure follows that pattern, with a deadline set for naming his successor in the first months of 2027.
Families considering Guerin Catholic High School will see a leadership transition after the 2026-27 school year. Prospective students and parents can track the diocese's naming decision, which is targeted for March 1, 2027.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions at Catholic schools often unfold over months of diocesan review, so families planning around them should watch for the announced successor ahead of the 2027-28 school year.
What happens next
The Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana aims to name Guerin Catholic's next president by March 1, 2027.
Further reading
Explore more Catholicism coverage from across the Indianapolis region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Current Publishing.
Live Poll
Do you think local Catholic schools are still providing a quality education?
