April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
A graduate of the Diocese of Albany's Catholic schools, Mr. Virgiglio is the first "homegrown" superintendent to serve the Diocese. Before his appointment as associate superintendent, he served as principal of St. Mary's Institute in Amsterdam and was a teacher at St. Casimir's Regional School in Albany.
As associate superintendent, he chaired the diocesan accreditation steering committee, which facilitated the review and accreditation of the Catholic Schools Office and all 22 of the Diocese's Catholic schools in October 2016. The Albany Diocese is the first diocese in New York State to earn this designation from AdvancED.
Mr. Virgiglio appointment followed a comprehensive national search.
"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."
Rev. Robert Longobucco, vicar for education for the Diocese of Albany and pastor of St. Kateri Tekakwitha parish in Schenectady, headed up the search committee, which included representatives of schools, parishes, diocesan offices and other stakeholder groups.
"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.
Mr. Virgiglio is a graduate of The College of Saint Rose in Albany with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and master's degrees in special education and 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 Pizzingrillo, who served in that position from 2012-16. The Diocese of Albany currently has more than 5,000 students enrolled in its 22 schools.
"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."[[In-content Ad]]
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