Diocese Announces New Assistant Superintendent of Schools

Bishop Duca is excited to announce the new Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools will be Ms. Jill Grabert. While her official start date will be July 1, 2026, she will be spending some time in the Diocesan Catholic Schools Office, working with Dr. Cindy Ryals, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, to prepare for the upcoming transition.

Jill is a dedicated Catholic school leader with decades of experience serving students, families, and educators in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. She currently serves as the Principal of St. Cletus Catholic School in Gretna, Louisiana, a role she has held since 2010. In this position, she leads a vibrant school community of nearly 400 students and a committed faculty, focusing on academic excellence, faith formation, and the overall well-being of every child. 

Jill began her career in education in the elementary classroom, teaching multiple grade levels and serving as a Math and Science Coordinator. Her classroom experience helped shape her belief that strong relationships between students, teachers, and families are essential to a successful learning environment. She later pursued school leadership, earning a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of New Orleans after completing her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Florida Atlantic University.

Before joining St. Cletus, Jill served as Assistant Principal of Academics at Archbishop Blenk High School and as Principal of St. Matthew the Apostle School. These roles allowed her to develop her skills as an instructional leader and deepen her commitment to supporting teachers and improving student outcomes.

Throughout her career, Jill has been actively involved in educational leadership within the Archdiocese of New Orleans. She has participated in numerous professional development programs, served on advisory committees, presented on testing data interpretation, and contributed to accreditation and strategic planning initiatives. She is also an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Catholic Educational Association, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the Louisiana Association of Principals.

Jill is passionate about the mission of Catholic education and believes schools play a vital role informing students academically, spiritually, and morally. She values the strong sense of community that Catholic schools foster and is committed to helping students grow into confident, compassionate, and faith-filled individuals.

Outside of her administrative responsibilities, Jill enjoys being involved in parish and school activities that strengthen the school community and bring families together. Her dedication to Catholic education continues to guide her leadership and inspire those around her.

Welcome to the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Jill!