Sister Bernadette McManigal, B.V.M., diocesan superintendent
of schools, has announced that she will retire June 30 after
eight years of service to the diocese. A nationally
recognized leader in Catholic education, Sister Bernadette
was appointed interim superintendent of schools in September
2008. Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde made her appointment
permanent seven months later.
“Sister Bernadette has served the Office of Catholic Schools
with dedication, commitment and enthusiasm since her arrival.
Her steadfast support of Catholic education as it is rendered
tangible in each of our schools is truly outstanding, as is
her firm commitment to upholding and strengthening the
Catholic identity of our schools,” Bishop Loverde said. “Our
principals, teachers and staff have found in Sister
Bernadette a source of support, advocacy and inspiration. We
are all indebted to her for her presence and service to the
teaching mission of this diocesan church.”
Under Sister Bernadette’s leadership, the diocese has
experienced growth in student enrollment and national
recognition for academic excellence. Since 2008, 18 diocesan
schools have received the Blue Ribbon Award from the U.S.
Department of Education. Additionally, Sister Bernadette has
worked alongside teachers and administrators to expand STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs and
provide academic support for students with unique learning
needs.
With the support of Bishop Loverde and in partnership with
the Diocesan Office of Development, Sister Bernadette has
expanded diocesan tuition assistance programs, particularly
for students from low-income and immigrant families. The
diocese was able to provide more than 1,500 students with
financial assistance this school year.
“It has been and remains a privilege to serve as
Superintendent of Catholic Schools here in Arlington. No one
could work with a finer group of teachers or administrators,
whose dedication and commitment to Catholic identity is
unparalleled,” said Sister Bernadette. “I am very grateful to
Bishop Loverde for his steadfast support of Catholic
education, and I look forward to working alongside the
dedicated staff in the Office of Catholic Schools to ensure
our students’ academic success and spiritual growth through
the current school year.”
Bishop Loverde has named Daniel Curtin, educational
consultant in the Catholic schools office, to chair a
committee that will begin a national search for a new
superintendent.
