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Bishop Frank Caggiano announced the appointment Wednesday of Steven Cheeseman, of East Moriches, N.Y., who will start the position June 30. Cheeseman plans to relocate to Fairfield County from Long Island, where he serves as associate superintendent of schools in the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
Cheeseman succeeds Sister Mary Grace Walsh, who left to take a new education position with the Archdiocese of Hartford.
In his new position, Cheeseman will be responsible for more than 9,000 students and 1,000 faculty members throughout Fairfield County. The diocese's 31 schools serve students in grades pre-K through 12.
"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," Caggiano said.
With the future in mind, Cheeseman also will chair the Diocesan Education Commission to reorganize Catholic education and form a new strategic plan for the diocese, officials said.
A longtime teacher, he is credited with helping to develop a strategic plan for change while at Rockville Centre, along with improvements in curriculum and student success measurements, officials said.
"Our schools must combine a clear and consistent focus on the Catholic faith and tradition along with a commitment to academic excellence," Cheeseman said.
Cheeseman's own education includes a doctorate in education leadership and technology, and a professional diploma in school district administration from Dowling College. He earned a master's from SUNY/Empire State College and a bachelor's in history and secondary education from St. Joseph’s College, Patchogue, N.Y.
In addition to teaching in both public and Catholic schools, he's served as an assistant principal and principal. In addition, he's also worked as an adjunct professor at Fordham University Graduate School of Education and St. Joseph’s College.
He and his wife, Danielle, have three children. For more details, visit the diocese's website.
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