Clark appointed assistant superintendent of secondary schools in the Worcester Diocese

Bishop McManus has appointed Michael J. Clark assistant superintendent of secondary schools in the Worcester Diocese.

Mr. Clark, who will begin working on July 2, was recommended for the new position by David Perda, superintendent of Catholic schools. He will work directly with the principals and staffs of St. Bernard's Central Catholic High School in Fitchburg and Holy Name Central Catholic Junior/Senior High School and St. Peter-Marian Central Catholic High School in Worcester.          Under the direction of the superintendent, Mr. Clark will plan, organize and direct the overall functioning of the diocesan secondary schools, replacing the former model of independent headmasters or presidents.

    The three schools will continue to operate with individual principals and staff, and maintain a niche character which reflects the charisms of their founding religious communities, including the Sisters of St. Anne, the Sisters of St. Joseph, the Sisters of Mercy, and the Presentation Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary, according to a press release from the Worcester Diocese.

    Mr. Clark most recently served as a member and former chairman of the religious studies faculty at St. John High School in Shrewsbury. While at St. John’s, he also completed an executive apprenticeship with the Southbridge Public Schools, working with the state-appointed receiver and the central office leadership team in attaining Massachusetts superintendent professional licensure, according to the press release.

    He has also served on six New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) school reaccreditation review teams, including one at St. Bernard. He also has years of management experience in private business.

    "I am thrilled that Michael is joining our leadership team,” said Supt. Perda. "He understands the mission and spirit of Catholic education in a profound way. I expect that he will be an immediate asset in helping us to evaluate the effectiveness of our secondary school operations as we develop strategies for both continued improvement and in welcoming new families into our schools.”

    In thanking the bishop and superintendent for his appointment, Mr. Clark said, "The students and staff of our schools not only desire to do well in life, they also desire to do good. I believe Catholic education in the Diocese of Worcester is uniquely positioned to give shape to that goal. My hope is that our collective efforts will better support Diocesan secondary education in serving that common goal in witness to the Gospel.”

    He holds a master's degree in theology from Boston College and a bachelor's degree in theology and political science from Assumption College.