Bishop Cistone announces Mary Ann Deschaine as Superintendent of Schools

SAGINAW – The Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, today announced Mary Ann Deschaine will serve as Superintendent of Schools of the Diocese of Saginaw. She will begin her duties on July 1.

“Mary Ann has great passion for Catholic school education and continuous learning,” Bishop Cistone said. “I am delighted she will assist us in building upon the quality programs already in existence in our Catholic schools throughout the diocese.”

The search for a superintendent was among the first initiatives announced by Bishop Cistone following his installation as sixth Bishop of Saginaw in 2009.

Deschaine earned an Education Specialist degree from Saginaw Valley State University in 2010, a Master of Arts degree in education with a concentration in K-12 educational leadership from Michigan State University in 2004, a Bachelor of Science degree in foods and nutrition from Central Michigan University in 1985 and Montessori teacher certification from the Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Education Institute in 1999.

Since 2008, Deschaine, has worked as principal at Elms Road Elementary School in Swartz Creek. Previously, she worked as principal at Atkins Elementary School in Bridgeport from 2005-2008; a kindergarten teacher at List Elementary School in Frankenmuth from 2002-2005; as principal and first-grade teacher at St. Helen Catholic School in Saginaw from 2001-2002; and as directress and teacher at Midland Montessori School, Inc. in Midland from 1998 -2000.

Deschaine is a resident of Frankenmuth and member of Blessed Trinity Parish, where she has long served as a member of the parish council, faith formation catechist, and children’s liturgy of the word facilitator.

“I am honored and eager to serve the people of the Diocese of Saginaw, especially the children and families engaged in many wonderful Catholic school communities,” Deschaine said.

“I have tremendous respect for the personal commitment of Bishop Cistone to strengthen Catholic school education within the diocese. I look forward to developing relationships with the many key leaders of our schools and parishes, and especially with pastors, principals, teachers, staff members and school boards.”

There are 3,400 students enrolled in 22 Catholic schools located across the 11-county Diocese of Saginaw.