1989-1999 

Starting in 1989, plans began to address the growth needs of the school. In 1991, the Sisters of Notre Dame ended their administrative leadership of Cardinal Gibbons, though they remained members of its faculty and staff and still serve the school today.

In 1994, at the request of Bishop Gossman, the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, New York, assumed leadership of Cardinal Gibbons High School. The Brothers agreed to manage the school through its next phase of growth. Br. Michel Bettigole, O.S.F. and Br. Gary Cregan, O.S. F. were principal and vice principal respectively. Br. Richard Contino, O.S. F. joined them as an English and Theology teacher. The Brothers were called to instill the Franciscan charism of joy that still endures today, epitomized by the phrase “capture the heart, and the mind will follow”.

With the full support of the bishop and the Diocese, a new school was to be built on a parcel of land off Trinity Road. In 1996, a capital campaign was initiated, and the following year, construction began at the current Edwards Mill Road location. The Franciscan Brothers oversaw the school’s move to its current campus, and welcomed 760 students to the present Cardinal Gibbons High School building when it was completed in 1999.

During their time at Cardinal Gibbons High School the Franciscan Brothers:

Sponsored the Franciscan pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy, sending teachers every year to instill their charism of joy to the school staff.
Built an active list of student-led and faculty moderated clubs.
Brought back the school newspaper, “The Crusader”.
Began to expand the AP program and the roster of AP classes available to students.
Saw the start of several new teams, including lacrosse and dance, which was also made an elective course; as well as of a junior varsity athletic program.
Expanded the Fine Arts Department.

During the 1990s Cardinal Gibbons welcomed faculty and staff members who continue to serve the school today. They are: Dale Foushee, Head Librarian, Dean Monroe, Athletic Director, Jim Freeman, Assistant Athletic Director, Sr. Janet Schemmel, S.N.D., Chairperson of the Science Department and Academic Dean, David Bierlein, Technology Coordinator, Casey LoFrese, English teacher, Karen Scharf, Chairperson of the Foreign Language Department, Joan Troy, math teacher/Choral Director & coordinator of Liturgical Music, Christopher Poisella, math teacher, as well as Sr. Mary Jean Korejwo, S.N.D, and Susan Sauls, both administrative assistants.