Bishop Duca Names New Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools

Bishop Michael G. Duca of Baton Rouge announced today that Dr. Cynthia Ryals has been named Assistant Superintendent of Catholic schools. Her appointment is effective July 1, 2024. She succeeds Claire Willis, who has served as assistant superintendent for two years and who has taken a position out of state.

In a joint statement, the bishop and schools‘ superintendent Dr. Pattie Davis said, “We are delighted Cindy is joining our system at the diocesan level. She brings over three decades of Catholic education experience to her new role. She is a perfect fit.”

Dr. Ryals has been the principal of St. Alphonsus Catholic School in Greenwell Springs for the last 15 years.  Prior to her role as a principal, she was an elementary teacher for twenty years. 

Dr. Ryals earned her master’s degree in 2008 and her doctorate in 2014, both from Southeastern Louisiana University.  

Her doctoral dissertation, School Leaders’ Perceptions of Conducting Active Shooter Drills, has led to extensive work in school safety consultation. She serves on the diocesan School Safety Committee and is the author of Crisis Planning for Catholic School Leaders.  
Dr. Ryals has also presented at numerous state and national conferences on school crisis planning and leadership, and she has provided consultation to law enforcement groups for multiple-agency active shooter trainings. 

Dr. Ryals is married to John Ryals, Jr., and they have two daughters, Katelynn and Sarah, who have followed in their mother’s footsteps as Catholic school teachers. They are parishioners of St. Margaret Catholic Church in Albany, where they participate in several ministries, including coordinating the Marriage Ministry. 

Catholic schools are located in eight of the 12 civil parishes that comprise the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Over 14,000 students attend the schools.