June 19, 2018

Bishop names first layperson as diocesan superintendent of schools

REGIONAL
Staff report

 

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski today announced the appointment of Daniel Baillargeon as the new diocesan superintendent of schools effective July 1. Baillargeon was selected after a nationwide search that was undertaken after the current superintendent, Franciscan Sister of St. Joseph, Sister M. Andrea Ciszewski, announced her intention to retire effective June 30.

The announcement, which the bishop called “historic,” was made at a 3 p.m. press conference held at the Bishop Marshall Center adjacent to St. Michael’s Cathedral in downtown Springfield.

In a press release, Bishop Rozanski stated, “I am honored that our search efforts brought forward such a dynamic candidate, one with extensive background in Catholic education.”

A Connecticut native, Baillargeon completed his studies at The Catholic University of America, earning a doctoral degree in Catholic educational leadership and policy studies this past spring. In 2001 he earned a bachelor of arts degree in music at the University of Connecticut and in 2006 completed his master of education degree in school administration at Sul Ross/Rio Grande College in Alpine, Texas. He currently serves as an interim principal in the Diocese of Manchester, N.H.

Throughout his career, he has served in Catholic education in various parts of the country at both the elementary and secondary school levels. In these schools, he helped to develop strategic plans and successfully complete accreditation efforts.

In his letter to the search committee, Baillargeon stated that his background made him “uniquely positioned to understand the importance of mission-connectedness for Catholic schools and am aware of the strategies needed to address the vitality of Catholic schools.”  

In the classroom, Baillargeon has taught mathematics, music, Latin, and theology; he also serves as instructor/speaker for various purposes, including formation of teachers, as well as youth and adult retreats.

Baillargeon and his wife, Megan, have worked for the Catholic Church in various capacities. They are the parents of seven children and are expecting their eighth child at the end of June. As primary educators, they have found ways to support the faith of their children, all of whom attend Catholic schools. The entire family was present at the press conference on June 19.

Beyond their very busy duties as parents, the Baillargeons have supported their parishes through married couples’ ministry, music ministry, and assisting with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). They have a special devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux. Baillargeon stated that he and his wife “try to do little things with great love, hoping to reflect Christ in their lives and work.”

As for his goals, Baillargeon stated he wants Catholic schools to provide their students “opportunities to experience God’s love through a high quality Catholic education, because it is through our schools that young people can both encounter Christ as well as have the skills necessary to be lights in our world.”

The Catholic Schools Office oversees 13 Catholic elementary and secondary schools, with an enrollment in preschool through grade 12 of 2,691 students, in addition to 453 staff and faculty.

At the press conference, Daniel Baillargeon acknowledged the challenges facing the diocese’s Catholic schools and said he will work with the bishop, school communities, and pastors to identify the benefits of Catholic education and what the schools are doing well and “build upon that.” 

He also said his focus would be on “faith formation as a divine mission.”

Asked what gives him hope for the future of Catholic schools, Baillargeon said, “Jesus. These are his schools… The hope comes from being connected to what the Lord wants us to do.”

“Jesus was a teacher,” he said. “Our hope comes from him.” 

A video version of this story will be featured on the June 23 edition of “Real to Reel,” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 on WWLP-22NEWS.