Palmisano to step down as Catholic schools superintendent

Dr. Melanie Palmisano, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, announced she will be stepping down effective June 30, 2022.

She made the announcement in a letter that was released Dec. 8.

Palmisano said she will begin service as a consultant and coach to schools through her company Inspir-Ed.

“I’m honored to have been entrusted to serve schools in the diocese for more than a decade and reflect on all that we’ve accomplished with gratitude for the experience,” said Palmisano, who has served as superintendent for nearly 13 years. “I have been inspired by so many – clergy, colleagues, board members, administrators, teachers, parents, business partners and community members – and hope to share that inspiration with schools and district across the country.”

In an interview with The Catholic Commentator, Palmisano said she originally thought about branching out as a consultant before being hired in Baton Rouge but “God had other plans.”

“I think God felt like I need to learn more before I could go out and do more,” she said. “And he gave me this opportunity (with the Diocese of Baton Rouge) and this has been wonderful.”

Palmisano said she has enjoyed working with the schools throughout the diocese and has been honored to collaborate with the principals and work with Bishop Emeritus Robert W. Muench and Bishop Michael G. Duca.

“So many people are supportive of Catholic education in this diocese,” Palmisano said. “It’s been a great honor to do this work.”

In her role as a consultant Palmisano’s goal is to assist other Catholic schools and dioceses to be their support as they do the important work of Catholic education.

“I’m looking forward to the connections similar to the schools in our diocese but across the nation and to be able to bring support to them, to help develop school leaders and to see if we can do some cross pollination (between dioceses and archdioceses),” Palmisano said.

She is open to working with any diocese.

Palmisano noted she will miss the daily connections with her staff, principals, pastors and Catholic Life Center friends but hopes “not to be a stranger.”

She has “truly loved” her time serving schools in the diocese and is looking forward to supporting Bishop Duca in the transition to new leadership.

“We are grateful to Dr. Mel for her dedication to the thousands of students who were educated in our school system during her many years as superintendent,” said Bishop Duca. “She has been a strong leader and skillful administrator, and we look forward to working with her in the coming months as we begin this transition.”

A search committee will be formed in the coming weeks as the diocese seeks a new leader for the Catholic Schools Office.

More than 14,000 students attend approximately 30 Catholic schools located in nine of the 12 civil parishes that comprise the Diocese of Baton Rouge.