Educator hired as assistant schools superintendent

Longtime Catholic educator Claire Willis has been hired as assistant superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Baton Rouge effective July 1.

In announcing the hiring May 16, Bishop Michael G Duca praised Willis’ “vision to establish a team of dynamic individuals in the diocesan Catholic Schools Office who will build on our existing strengths and success to elevate performance and sustainability in all our schools.”

He added Willis is “precisely the type of team member who will work directly with our new superintendent Dr. Pattie Davis.” 

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the Catholic schools in the diocese. I will be working with people I admire and respect,” said Willis, who served as principal at Cristo Rey Baton Rouge Franciscan High School from 2017-2021.

“I am especially excited about working with (Davis),” she added, praising Davis for the enthusiasm she will bring to diocesan schools.

“She brings a new perspective, which is good, especially since we already have a strong school system and strong staff. She can help us get even better,” Willis said.

She said having served in the diocese as a principal and teacher – she was a teacher at Our Lady of Mercy School in Baton Rouge for five years – will work to her advantage. She believes the principals already have a comfort level with her and having previously served in that role she understands their needs and priorities, including resources essential to their individual schools.

Although the role of the assistant superintendent will be reimagined heading into the 2022-23 school year, Willis said her primary role is to help (Davis) meet her vision and to provide support to principals and teachers.

She said being a part of the 38-school, national Cristo Rey network will prove an asset in her new role. Willis said she learned how to unite a large number of principals, all working toward that vision.

Also, she said that principals acting together as one can also secure greater resources.

Above all, after having served at a Baton Rouge non-profit for the past year and hitting “reset” on her career so she could be home with her five children, Willis is happy to be returning to Catholic education in a supervisory role.

“This is where I wanted to be,” she said, unable to conceal her enthusiasm.

Vicar General Father Jamin David cited Willis’ focus on academic rigor, intentionality to increase student and staff retention, and strategic planning experience for organizational vitality as core reasons for the unanimous choice for her in this position.  
Willis was chosen by a nine-member search committee which included Father David, leaders from the Catholic Life Center, pastors, principals, Davis and Diocesan School Board representatives. She also went through an extensive interview process, with the final candidate approved by Bishop Duca.  
Willis earned a bachelor of arts in history and English from LSU.  She later earned a master of education from Vanderbilt University in secondary education and is pursuing a master of business administration degree from LSU – Shreveport. 

Willis replaces former assistant superintendent Michael Miller, who resigned earlier this year.

Davis replaces Dr. Melanie Palmisano, whose resignation is effective June 30.