Dr. Melanie Palmisano to Conclude Service as Superintendent of Catholic Schools

December 7, 2021
Dear Friends,

The purpose of this letter is to share with you news about upcoming changes at the Catholic Schools Office.  After serving as superintendent of schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge for almost thirteen years, it is time for me to take the next step in service to Catholic education. At the end of the fiscal year (June 30), I will begin service as a consultant and coach to schools through my company, Inspir-ED. As the name indicates, 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 districts across the country.

The work of the DBR Catholic Schools Office focuses on helping schools throughout the diocese as they Evangelize Hearts, Educate Minds, Encourage Talent, and Embrace the Future.  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.  Some of our notable accomplishments include:

• National accreditation as a district
• Commitment to and accountability for religious education certification for all professional staff
• Expansion of special education services
• Strengthening of advisory boards and annual orientation requirements
• Data-based continuous improvement 
• Establishment of diocesan learning standards and curriculum mapping 
• Increase in professional development opportunities 
• Creation of leadership cohort program and new teacher orientation
• Focus on leadership development for principals and assistant principals

Please know that this is a significant life change, and I have truly loved my time in service to schools in the diocese.  When I met with Bishop Duca the first week of February 2021 to let him know of my leaving, we decided that it would be prudent to have a long runway to attract the best possible candidates for the position, so I agreed to stay until June 2022.  I look forward to supporting Bishop Duca and his team in the transition to new leadership.

Thank you for your continued support.  I take with me many good memories of my time in service to the Catholic Schools Office in the Diocese of Baton Rouge for which I am truly grateful!

Blessings,

Dr. Melanie B. Palmisano

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