Superintendent of Pittsburgh’s Catholic schools announces retirement, citing breast cancer treatment
Michelle Peduto, the five-year superintendent of Catholic schools in the diocese of Pittsburgh, will retire this summer as she continues to battle metastatic breast cancer.
Ms. Peduto, who announced her retirement on Thursday, said it will allow her to focus on her health and family. Her retirement is effective on June 30.
“Now is the time that I want to step back and do things with my family,” Ms. Peduto said in a news release. “From that standpoint, the prayers and support I’ve received have been so powerful, and so uplifting. I also want to express that I recognize the bravery of others who are going through the very same thing that I am. I know many others are.
“With the love of God, we all live through life’s challenges to the best of our abilities. I honor and pray for those who wake up and do that every day.”
Ms. Peduto began leading the diocese’s 62 schools in 2019. She has played a role in Pittsburgh’s Catholic education scene for over two decades.
During her tenure as superintendent, she guided the schools through the coronavirus pandemic, bolstered the Diocesan Education Office’s education and evangelism efforts, and supported Bishop David Zubik’s efforts for “sustainable, affordable, and accessible Catholic education,” the release says.
“Michelle supports our Catholic schools with unwavering commitment and dedication,” Bishop Zubik said in the release. “Her creative, visionary approach has played a vital role in shaping the future of our schools.”
In the months leading up to her retirement, Ms. Peduto will begin reducing her work schedule and participating in the search process for her successor. After Easter, she and her team will host the National Catholic Education Association Conference in Pittsburgh.
The diocese’s schools enroll over 12,000 students.