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St. Michael School in Livermore has announced that a former student will be serving as the campus’ next principal, beginning next school year.
Julie Schweickert Knight is poised to take the helm July 1 to replace departing principal Brandon Angelo who announced his intention last March to step down from the role at the end of the 2025-26 school year.
Angelo had assumed the post just one year prior, but in a message to families said he accepted a different position that let him be “in a better position” to take care of his family. As such, Knight will be the school’s third principal in three years.
“It is a school’s greatest honor to see one of its graduates return to lead the school where they received their foundation,” said Bích N. Nguyễn, pastor of St. Michael Parish, for which St. Michael School is a ministry of. “Julie Knight is coming home to the school that helped form her faith, values, and commitment to service.”
Knight’s career in K-8 education in Livermore schools spans 14 years, including eight years when she served as a principal.
While working as principal at Our Savior Lutheran School in Livermore, she was named the 2024 Administrator of the Year, according to a social media post by officials of religious organization California Nevada Hawaii District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
The class of 1993 graduate also brings to the role an education from St. Mary’s College of California in Moraga where she earned an undergraduate degree in civic and liberal studies, according to St. Michael officials.
“As a devout Catholic, Knight also brings a deep love for Catholic education and a personal connection to St. Michael, where her own faith, values, and commitment to service were formed,” St. Michael officials said in the statement.
Knight was appointed to the role following a formal process involving Nguyễn and a search committee including representatives of the clergy, faculty, the school advisory board and parent community, according to school officials. Guided by the Diocese of Oakland, the search committee took into consideration the input of parents, faculty and staff, school officials said.
“The opportunity to return to St. Michael is especially meaningful,” Knight said in the statement. “I am committed to upholding and advancing the strong tradition of excellence that defines St. Michael Catholic School within the community and the Diocese.”
On the subject of Angelo’s work, Nguyễn expressed gratitude for the exiting principal.
“He leaves St. Michael School with gratitude and cherished memories of his time here,” Nguyễn said in an email interview with Livermore Vine. “We thank him for his service and wish him all the best in this next chapter.”
