Archdiocese of Cincinnati announces Kathy Kane as interim superintendent of schools

Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Susan Gibbons will retire at the end of July, the diocese announced on Monday. Kathy Kane will take her place in the interim next school year before a new superintendent is announced.

Gibbons is leaving in the midst of big changes coming to Cincinnati's Catholic schools and parishes. Priest shortages and dwindling church attendance are among the reasons for a major reorganization that will impact, among other things, school resources and closures. This process is ongoing and it may be years before all the changes, closures and mergers are known.

“Ms. Gibbons has brought a steady hand to the superintendent role these past seven years,” Archbishop Dennis Schnurr said in Monday's news release. “She has been someone whom I could always count on to represent the Archdiocese of Cincinnati with honesty and integrity. Everything she has done has been with an eye toward providing our students with the best possible Catholic educational experience. I greatly appreciate her service to the Catholic schools of the archdiocese.”

Gibbons spent 45 years working in Catholic education, including as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and in other leadership roles. She was superintendent for the last seven years.

“I have learned so much from so many people," Gibbons said in the release. "My life has been enriched by those whose mission is the success of our Catholic schools. I am thankful for all the people whom I have come to know and love. Catholic education is more important than ever for our young people. The gift of faith can last a lifetime.”

Kane has served the Catholic schools of the archdiocese for 35 years and is currently the deputy superintendent of leadership and licensure. She's also served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal.

“I am inspired by the dedication of our Catholic school leaders, teachers, and communities,” Kane said in Monday's release. “God calls each of us to courageously and lovingly step out in faith and to use all that we have been given in care and service of others. With devotion, passion, prayer, and compassion, I am thrilled to serve our Catholic schools as the Interim Superintendent. The possibilities for our Catholic school communities are endless.”

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Archdiocese of Cincinnati: Kathy Kane named interim superintendent