Michael J. Deegan has announced his retirement from the position of Superintendent of Schools of the Archdiocese of New York, effective August 31, 2023. He has served as superintendent for the past four and a half years, following more than 50-years as a teacher, principal, associate superintendent, and deputy superintendent.
“I am so very grateful to Cardinal Dolan for entrusting me with the care and stewardship of this great Catholic school system which gave me so much as a student, as a young man and ultimately as a Catholic educator for half a century,” shared Deegan. “I often speak of ‘the mission of Catholic education.’ Perhaps for the past 50 years mine has been a mission to give back. Even though I was ultimately destined to lead the entire Catholic school system, in my heart, I never really left the classroom. I’ll always be a Catholic school teacher.”
A national search is being conducted for a successor.
Deegan is proud of his tenure during which he made certain that every student received a first-rate academic education, as well as a solid grounding in their Catholic faith. He and his team faced complex challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, proudly points to the fact that the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of New York became national leaders in providing in-person instruction at a time when most school districts remained shuttered. He attributes significant increases in test scores during this time to the dedicated principals and teachers of the Catholic schools. Among the many accolades he received during his career, the one that has meant the most to him is the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Compassionate Educator Award.
“Mike first asked to retire nearly five years ago, but we have been extremely fortunate that he instead agreed to my request that he stay on as superintendent,” said Cardinal Dolan. “These past five years have been among the most consequential years for Catholic education, particularly in this archdiocese, and Mike has steadfastly guided us through these difficult years. The legacy that Mike will leave on Catholic education in the Archdiocese of New York is immeasurable. I thank God for his service, and wish him and his family a long and happy retirement.”