Tolan named principal at Maginn

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger on Thursday, March 28 named Michael Tolan principal of Bishop Maginn High School in Albany, effective immediately. Tolan has been serving as interim principal since September. Bishop Maginn is a 9th–12th grade Albany Catholic Diocese school.

“I am so pleased to accept the search committee’s unanimous recommendation,” Bishop Scharfenberger said. “Michael is a great fit as the leader of Bishop Maginn High School for a variety of reasons. His progressive thinking, emphasis on faith development, and familiarity with the Bishop Maginn community make him the ideal candidate. I am confident that he will continue to serve as an inspiring example to all the students, faculty, staff and families of Bishop Maginn High School.”

Tolan served as advancement director and business communications teacher at Bishop Maginn High School for the past four years before serving as interim principal. He spent more than 20 years in both public relations and governmental affairs consulting, serving as political affairs aide for the New Jersey State Assembly Speaker and aide in New York State government.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the Bishop Maginn community and anticipate the brightest future for our students and staff,” Tolan said. “Being principal of Maginn is a calling, and I will make it my priority to ensure our high school remains a shining light of hope for our diverse community of students, parents, guardians, and educators, and that we live the Catholic mission daily through community service and living our faith.”

Tolan earned a master’s degree in education from Union College in Schenectady, and is currently pursuing an advanced certificate in the New York State School Building Leadership at The College of Saint Rose in Albany. A parishioner at St. Mary’s Church in Ballston Spa, he lives in Clifton Park with his wife and two children. 

Prior to his appointment, Tolan has served the Bishop Maginn community as the interim principal for the 2018-19 school year, replacing former principal Christopher Signor. 

Giovanni Virgiglio, superintendent of schools and chancellor for the Diocese, said Tolan is an exceptional candidate. “We had a very strong field of candidates for the position, and Mr. Tolan stood out amid a group of talented individuals,” he said.