New Regional Superintendent Appointment for South Regional Catholic Elementary Schools

Bishop David Zubik has appointed Erin Rice as Regional Superintendent for the South Regional Catholic Elementary Schools, Inc. effective July 1, 2023. Rice brings 18 years of experience in school administration and teaching to her new role. The former Regional Administrator for the South Region, Sharon Loughran Brown, now serves as Assistant Superintendent for Catholic Secondary Schools and Private Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

In his appointment letter to Rice, Bishop Zubik emphasized the mission of diocesan schools, saying, “Our Catholic schools must continue the important evangelizing mission of forming and educating our young people—the future of our Church. I am hopeful for the opportunity that lies ahead to explore and develop collaborative and innovative initiatives that will allow Catholic education to flourish in the south region.”

Rice’s appointment received the support and unanimous approval of the South Regional Catholic Elementary Schools, Inc. Board of Directors. As the Regional Superintendent, Rice will serve as the chief administrative officer of each of the school programs operated by South Regional Catholic Elementary Schools, Inc. and will be responsible for the administration of the total educational program and the day-to-day operation and management of the school programs within the region.

Rice earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Educational Leadership with a K-12 Principal Certification. She has enjoyed six years as a teacher, two years as an assistant principal, and twelve years as a principal. Most recently, she is the principal at Saint Gregory Catholic School in Zelienople.

“My experience at Saint Gregory School has been profound and prepared me to embark on this next journey,” Rice said. “I plan to bring the same love and passion to the South Regional Schools to help them flourish. Although I will miss my St. Gregory Family, I look forward to being a part of a larger Catholic School community.”

Regionalization in the Diocese of Pittsburgh is to ensure families have access to Catholic schools that are academically excellent, spiritually vibrant, and financially sustainable. Through regionalization, responsibility for a school is treated as an educational ministry shared by every parish in the region. Individual schools have principals. A regional administrator and business manager oversee operations and finances, reporting to a regional board made up of clergy and lay representatives of parishes in the region. To date, the Diocese of Pittsburgh has established north, east, and south regions. To learn more about how Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic Schools are lighting the way, please visit https://diopitt.org/schools.