New principals named at Mater Christi, Saratoga Central Catholic

The Albany Diocesan School Board has hired two new principals, it was announced this week.

Matthew Murphy has been selected as the new principal of Mater Christi School in Albany, effective July 1. 

“We are pleased that from the talented pool of candidates, the search committee identified such a uniquely qualified Catholic school educator and administrator to join the Mater Christi family,” said Giovanni Virgiglio, diocesan school superintendent.

Murphy has spent his entire career in education, working for the Albany City School District and the Diocese of Albany Catholic schools. He currently teaches middle school social studies at St. Mary’s School in Waterford and has most recently been appointed to the position of middle school captain assisting the principal with school operations. 

His contributions have extended beyond the classroom, organizing many clubs and student activities, serving as a member of the commissioner of New York State Education’s advisory council and coaching high school football. Murphy earned his bachelor’s degree from Salve Regina University, his master’s degree in Childhood Education from The College of St. Rose, and is currently completing his School Builder and District Leader Certification at The College of St. Rose.

Christopher Signor has accepted the position of principal at Saratoga Central Catholic High School, effective Aug. 1. In the Diocese of Albany, Signor is well known as he has served as principal of several diocesan high schools and is currently the principal of Catholic Central High School. In addition to his administrative roles, Signor has also served in a leadership capacity for the Cambridge School District and Washington Saratoga Hamilton Warren and Essex (WSHWE) BOCES. Signor is a Saratoga Springs native, a third-generation graduate of Saratoga Central Catholic School, and a parishioner at St. Clement’s Church.

Virgiglio added that Signor will maintain his focus on Catholic Central High School’s move to Latham in collaboration with St. Ambrose Principal Lily Spera as the formation of Catholic Central School (CCS), the new regional pre-K through Grade 12 school in Latham, continues uninterrupted. Dr. Christopher Bott, associate superintendent of diocesan schools, will temporarily assume responsibility during the summer months at CCS while an interim administrative model is developed for the start of the new school year.