Latusek appointed diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools

Dr. Michael Latusek has been named superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, effective Sept. 1.

He joins the diocese after more than 30 years in education and administration throughout the Pittsburgh region. Latusek's professional experiences include serving as a classroom teacher and principal in the Wilkinsburg School District; principal in the Shaler Area School District; principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent in the Bethel Park School District; and superintendent in the Elizabeth Forward School District.

After retiring from Elizabeth Forward, Latusek most recently served as consultant/acting assistant superintendent and human resource director in the Shaler Area School District. In this role, he assisted in designing and implementing a variety of initiatives that support student achievement in preK-12.

He received a bachelor's degree in elementary education, California State University, California, Pa.; master of education with a curriculum and supervision concentration, University of Pittsburgh; and doctorate in education from Duquesne University. He also holds principal certification from Duquesne University and the superintendent letter of eligibility from Duquesne.

As Bishop David Zubik noted in his letter of appointment to Latusek, "Your outstanding leadership and experience, including your most recent assignment in the Shaler Area School District, will ensure that our Catholic schools will continue their great traditions of excellence in faith formation/Catholic identity, academics, community service and extracurricular activities. Your self-esteem, collaborative nature, faith-filled commitment and the many gifts you will bring to our Catholic schools will be a great blessing in support of this important ministry."

In applying for the position, Latusek remarked that while his experience has been in the public school sector, he and his wife are Duquesne University graduates, and their three children completed elementary school at St. Angela Merici in White Oak, graduated from Serra Catholic High School, and two went on through Duquesne University and the third is a Villanova University graduate.

Latusek and his wife are members of St. Michael Parish in Elizabeth.

In announcing the appointment by Bishop Zubik, Dr. Robert Paserba, recently promoted from superintendent to secretary for Catholic education and evangelization, said, "The search committee of 12 persons -- auxiliary bishop, secretary for Catholic education, pastors, principals, central office personnel, and public and private school educators and business representatives -- was greatly impressed with the depth and breadth of his professional experiences and skills that he will bring to the position. 

"In particular, Dr. Latusek will be able to provide the leadership needed at the secondary school level as the high schools begin to implement a number of recommendations that were developed at the High School Education Summit that was held in July 2012. He will also provide the leadership and guidance needed with the closing of North Catholic High School and the opening of Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School," Paserba said.  

"Dr. Latusek's experiences as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, superintendent and through his leadership with the Pennsylvania Inspired Leadership Program ensure that the overall program of academic excellence in the Catholic schools will continue. And, most important, through his leadership in the church and through his commitment to having his own children educated in our Catholic schools, it is certain that Catholic identity/faith formation will likewise be at the center of his leadership as our new superintendent for Catholic schools. 

"As secretary for Catholic education and evangelization and after serving for 18 years as superintendent for Catholic schools, I would like to point out that the Department for Catholic Schools is undergoing its own realignment as we begin the 2012-13 school year. In this realignment process, I am greatly pleased to welcome the promotion of Sister Mary Jo Mutschler, SC, Ph.D. to her new role as associate superintendent for Catholic schools, while also welcoming Dr. Latusek as superintendent," Paserba said.