Diocese of Providence announces new Superintendent of Catholic Schools

Following an extensive, nationwide search, Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of Providence, has appointed Dr. James Power as Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Providence.  “I am confident Dr. Power will serve exceptionally well in leading our schools to continue their academic excellence, in calling the students to a life of generous service, and in preparing them to be outstanding leaders in the Church and community in the years to come,” said Bishop Tobin, in affirming the enthusiastic recommendation of the search committee.  

Since 2020, Dr. Power has been Headmaster at St. Anselm’s Abbey School in Washington D.C. and Head of School at several other Catholic schools prior to that, including Culver Academies (Culver, Ind.), Upper Canada College (Toronto, Ont.), and Georgetown Preparatory School (North Bethesda, Md.).

He will begin his new role as Superintendent on July 1.  “I am excited to become Providence’s next Superintendent of Catholic Schools, helping to continue and strengthen the important mission and great work already being done there. I am privileged to be coming to a diocese and Catholic schools system that is strong, well established, and stable under the leadership of Bishop Tobin and the pastors and leaders of schools.” 

Dr. Power earned a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Boston University, a Master of Arts in Teaching in English Education from Boston College, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of the Holy Cross.  

The Superintendent of Catholic Schools serves as leader of the 36 Catholic primary and secondary schools across Rhode Island—all accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The superintendent, in harmony with the vision of the Bishop, together with the leaders of Catholic schools, advances the mission, stability, quality, and charism of Catholic education in the state.  

Bishop Tobin added, “Throughout our history, Catholic schools have been a proud and integral part of our ecclesial life and mission. Although they have faced many challenges over the years, our Catholic schools have remained faithful and determined in carrying on the teaching mission of Christ and His Church, and that Catholic identity is as important now as it has ever been.”