Following the appointment of Sister Mary Grace Walsh as the incoming superintendent of schools for Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York, current Superintendent Michael J. Deegan announced a further appointment, in a letter to the archdiocese’s leadership, staff, and community on Tuesday:

“Superintendent of Schools, Michael J. Deegan, is happy to announce the appointment of Jann Amato as the new Regional Superintendent of Staten Island, effective August 2023.

“Mr. Deegan is grateful to the members of the search committee and thanks Msgr. William Belford, Pastor of St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus, Deacon James Cowan, Chair of the Regional Board of Trustees for Catholic Schools of Staten Island, Tara Hynes, Principal of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Vincent Sadowski, Principal of St. Patrick School, Ray Vitiello, Regional Superintendent of Northeast/East Bronx, Joanne Walsh, Associate Superintendent of Early Childhood, and Sr. Anne Massell, Associate Superintendent for Leadership for their insight and service to the interview and search process.

“Ms. Amato has over 23 years of experience in the Archdiocese of New York. She holds New York State Certification in School Building Leadership, a Master of Education in School Counseling, and New York State Certification as a Permanent School Counselor. Since 2019, Ms. Amato has been the Principal of Notre Dame Academy High School on Staten Island. Previously, she has been a teacher, school counselor, academic dean, and assistant principal.

“Ms. Amato, in her role as Regional Superintendent of Staten Island, will assume a broad range of responsibilities, primarily the strengthening of solid Catholic faith communities, the monitoring and assessing of the academic achievements of the schools, the oversight of the regional office staff and the promotion of student recruitment and marketing strategies to all schools in her region. Ms. Amato will continue to build upon the strong foundation formed through the extraordinary leadership and legacy of Mrs. Zoilita Herrera, who faithfully served Staten Island as Regional Superintendent, Principal, and Teacher over the last 44 years.

“Please join me in congratulating and welcoming Ms. Amato to her new role. We look forward to her leadership on Staten Island and the impact she will have on our Catholic Schools,” Deegan wrote.

Deegan announced his retirement at the end of 2022, effective August 31, 2023. He has served as superintendent for the past five years, following more than 50 years as a teacher, principal, associate superintendent, and deputy superintendent.