Holy Rosary principal Kris Brown announced Monday that she will be leaving to lead St. Catherine School in Maple Leaf.

Brown has been at Holy Rosary for 25 years, teaching third and fourth grade her first two years and leading the school as principal for 23 years.

While the principal was not actively looking for a new job, the opportunity at St. Catherine intrigued her. The school is just two miles from Brown's home and half the size of Holy Rosary.

"It's been the hardest decision I've made in my life," said Brown. "But through change comes new life and new energy and I feel that for Holy Rosary and for myself."

Holy Rosary, a Catholic K-8 school, has grown and changed significantly under Brown's leadership. The student body has doubled with two classes at each grade level and the faculty has nearly tripled.

Holy Rosary's curriculum has also changed significantly. Brown worked to strengthen the school's technology program so that they now have a mobile computer lab with 30 laptop computers, smart boards in classrooms and online report cards that parents can easily access.

The school also went through two accreditation processes in which Brown says academic goals were clarified and faculty focused on progressing forward.

"To be excellent you have to be committed to continuous improvement," said Brown.

The principal believes that Holy Rosary will maintain a strong Catholic identity during her time as principal. She is confident that Fr. John Madigan, who came to the church in 2006, will continue his strong leadership.

Brown says she feels like she's grown up in the Holy Rosary community and will be forever grateful for their support.

“I did not ever imagine I would stay here for 25 years, it must have been meant to happen though," said Brown. "It’s such a wonderful community committed to ongoing improvement.”

The Archdiocese of Seattle, along with members of the school community, will select a new principal for Holy Rosary through a standard selection process.