YONKER, N.Y. (PIX11) — The superintendent of schools of the Archdiocese of New York, Michael Deegan, is retiring in August after more than 50 years as a beloved educator.
Deegan said it feels like he was starting out as a Catholic school teacher in New Rochelle only yesterday. He said his heart is filled with gratitude.
“Mike Deegan good lord, you talk about an all-star Catholic educator. You look for the secret why Catholic schools are so sterling, look no further than Michael Deegan,” said Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York.
After five decades of being a teacher, principal, associate superintendent, and deputy superintendent, Deegan said he feels like he never really left the classroom. He said his mission every day as an educator is simple: always give back.
For nearly five years he was in charge of the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York, which serves 54,000 students from pre-K through 12th grade across 170 schools in nine counties and boroughs, from Staten Island to Albany.
His team faced tough challenges during the pandemic. He said they came out more robust than ever before.
Deegan said upon retiring he will be spending more time with his family.
