New Superintendent Named for Archdiocese of Washington
William H. Ryan begins July 1, 2015
May 19, 2015
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington, has named William H. Ryan as Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Washington. The appointment, announced today, will be effective July 1, 2015.
Ryan currently serves as the Employee Performance and Evaluation Officer in Prince George’s County Public Schools. His more than twenty-year career includes extensive experience at both the school and central administration office levels. His appointment by Cardinal Wuerl follows a national search that was launched in June 2014 after the announcement that Deacon Bert L’Homme, Ph.D. was stepping down after being named superintendent for the Durham Public Schools in North Carolina.
As Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Washington, Ryan will have oversight for 68 Catholic elementary schools and 20 Catholic high schools and seven early childhood programs in Washington, DC and suburban and southern Maryland. These 95 Catholic schools serve approximately 27,000 students from diverse backgrounds. The Catholic schools in the archdiocese form the largest non-public school system in the area.
“I am pleased with the recommendation of the superintendent search committee and Dr. Burnford, the Secretary for Education, and am delighted to appoint Bill Ryan as Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Washington,” said Cardinal Wuerl. “His extensive background and experience in school administration and his commitment to the Catholic Church will enhance the mission of our schools to pass on the Catholic faith to future generations.”
“I am looking forward to joining the team of talented and dedicated teachers and administrators in the Archdiocese of Washington,” said Ryan. “I am excited to have this great opportunity to live out my faith through my work. We need to prepare our children not only for college and a career, but first and foremost to shape them as young men and women rooted in faith to build God’s kingdom – Catholic education is the way to do that. The schools in the Archdiocese of Washington are known for their strong Catholic identity and rigorous academics. I hope to continue to address the challenge to keep Catholic education both affordable and accessible as well.”
Dr. Thomas Burnford, archdiocesan Secretary for Education said, “I am thrilled with the choice of Bill Ryan as the new superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Washington. Bill brings his deep faith and wealth of experience as an educator and administrator to the position and I look forward to working with him as he takes on the leadership of archdiocesan schools.”
“I also wish to thank Ms. Kelly Branaman who has generously served as Interim Superintendent of Schools this year. I am happy that she will continue in her critical role as Associate Superintendent.”
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The Archdiocese of Washington is home to over 620,000 Catholics, 139 parishes and 95 Catholic schools, located in Washington, D.C., and five Maryland counties: Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s.
CONTACT: Chieko Noguchi
301-853-4516
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