Diocese of Bridgeport Names New Schools Superintendent

BRIDGEPORT, CT - Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman, Ed.D., currently Associate Superintendent of Schools in the Diocese of Rockville Centre on Long Island, has been named the new schools superintendent for the Diocese of Bridgeport, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano announced Wednesday.

The appointment is effective June 30, when Cheeseman will succeed Sister Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, who accepted the newly created position of Provost for Education, Evangelization and Catechesis of the Archdiocese of Hartford in December 2015.

“I am pleased to announce that our new superintendent is a man of great faith along with being a superb and innovative educator," said Bishop Caggiano in a statement. "At a time when our schools are taking major steps in planning for the future, we are fortunate to draw upon his leadership skills and profound understanding of the value of Catholic education.”

The diocesan school system serves students in grades Pre-K through 12 in 31 Catholic schools in the cities and suburbs throughout Fairfield County. There are 25 elementary schools, five high schools and one special education school.

Added Cheeseman, “As a leader in Catholic Education I truly believe that we need Catholic schools now more than ever. Our schools must combine a clear and consistent focus on the Catholic faith and tradition along with a commitment to academic excellence. With this as our focus, we can work to create a generation of young people who leave our schools academically strong and prepared to use the framework of faith as the lens with which to think critically about the world around them.”

Cheeseman has worked at every level of Catholic education from teacher to principal and system administrator, according to Bishop Caggiano, and has earned:

• a doctorate in Educational Leadership & Technology from Dowling College
• a Professional Diploma in School District Administration also from Dowling
• an MA in Liberal Arts & Sciences from SUNY/Empire State College
• a BA in History/Secondary Education from St. Joseph’s College, Patchogue, NY

“He has been responsible for professional development, worked with boards, and negotiated on behalf of the diocese in the collective bargaining agreements with the diocesan high school teacher association," said Bishop Caggiano. "These skills will serve him well in his new role as leader of education in the diocese.”

Cheeseman and his wife, Danielle, are parishioners at St. John the Evangelist in Center Moriches on Long Island and currently live in East Moriches. They have three children Emily (Grade 5), Christina (Grade 9) and Steven (Grade 11), and will relocate Fairfield County in the coming months.

Photo: Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman, Ed.D. Photo credit: Diocese of Bridgeport