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Bishop Scharfenberger Announces New Superintendent of Schools for Diocese

May 15, 2017

Following a comprehensive national search, Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger has announced the appointment of Giovanni Virgiglio as the new Superintendent of Schools for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, effective immediately. Mr. Virgiglio, who has served as Interim Superintendent since Jan. 1, is a product and graduate of the Diocese’s Catholic schools and has served in Catholic education locally for his entire career, most recently as Associate Superintendent, a position he has held since 2015. He is the first “homegrown” Superintendent to serve the Diocese. 

“As a former student, teacher, principal and administrative leader of our Catholic schools, Giovanni is uniquely qualified to offer a long view of Catholic education in this Diocese and to take us where we need to go in the future,” said Bishop Scharfenberger. “His history and personal experience, coupled with his professional expertise, are exactly what we need in a superintendent as we craft a vision of what Catholic education can and should be for our children and their families today and for generations to come.”

Father Robert Longobucco, vicar for education for the Diocese of Albany, headed up the search committee, which included representatives of schools, parishes, diocesan offices, and other stakeholder groups. He called the appointment “exciting.”

“No one else could have the passion that Giovanni has for our schools. He is a product of our schools. He was a teacher and principal in our schools. He is so deeply invested in the success of all of our children because he was one of those children,” said Father Longobucco.

Before joining the Catholic School Office in 2015, Mr. Virgiglio served as principal of St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam from 2008 to 2015 and taught at St. Casimir Regional School in Albany from 2003 to 2008. As Associate Superintendent, he chaired the Diocesan Accreditation Steering Committee, which facilitated the review and accreditation of the Catholic School Office and all 22 of the Diocese’s Catholic schools in October 2016, the first Diocese in New York State to earn this designation from AdvancED.

“I am truly humbled to be able to lead and serve the system of Catholic schools that has given so much to me. Each school in their own unique way creates a dynamic culture of learning where faith and knowledge unite to unlock each student’s full potential,” said Superintendent Virgiglio. “I look forward to working with the dedicated and inspiring leaders and teachers of our great Diocese to ensure the forward movement and continuous improvement of our schools, a responsibility we have to the students entrusted to our care and their families who invest in Catholic education.”

Mr. Virgiglio is a graduate of The College of Saint Rose in Albany, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Science in Special Education 1-6, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Administration. He holds New York State certifications in elementary and special education, as well as building and district administration.

As superintendent, Mr. Virgiglio succeeds Michael E. Pizzingrillo, who served in that position from 2012 through 2016. The Diocese of Albany currently has more than 5,000 students enrolled in its 22 schools.