NEW YORK — The Superintendent of Schools Office for the Archdiocese of New York has announced the appointment of Joseph De Bona as regional superintendent for the Upper Counties School Region, effective July 27.
De Bona succeeds David Ojeda, who will conclude his service at the end of the 2025-26 academic year.
“David has served our Catholic school communities with faith, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to our students and families,” said Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, secretary for education and faith formation and superintendent of schools. “We are deeply grateful for his years of dedicated leadership and the many contributions he has made throughout the Archdiocese of New York. His ministry has strengthened countless school communities, and we thank God for his faithful service.”
Following a comprehensive search, De Bona was selected to lead the Upper Counties School Region, bringing more than 15 years of experience as a Catholic school educator and administrator.
Currently a math intervention teacher with Catapult Learning and an adjunct professor at SUNY Orange, De Bona has spent his career supporting Catholic schools through periods of growth, renewal, and transition. His leadership experience includes serving as principal and interim principal at several Catholic schools throughout the archdiocese, where he focused on strengthening Catholic identity, academic excellence, and collaborative school leadership.
De Bona holds a certificate in school management and leadership from Harvard University, a master’s degree in school building leadership from Manhattan University, a master’s degree in English from Iona University, and a bachelor’s degree in English from Marist University.
Throughout his ministry, De Bona has been recognized for building strong relationships with pastors, faculty, staff, students, and families while fostering vibrant Catholic school communities centered on faith formation and student success.
“Joseph’s deep commitment to Catholic education, proven leadership, and understanding of our school communities make him exceptionally well prepared for this role,” Sr. Walsh said. “As we continue our work of the school renewal process across the archdiocese, I am confident that his collaborative leadership, dedication to Catholic identity, and passion for serving students and families will be a tremendous blessing to the Upper Counties region. We warmly welcome Joseph and pray that God abundantly blesses him as he begins this new chapter of service.”
The Upper Counties School Region serves Catholic schools throughout the northern counties of the Archdiocese of New York, partnering with pastors, principals, faculty, and families to provide students with an academically excellent education rooted in the Catholic faith.