1 minute read
Back to School
A lot in store for 2023-24 academic year and diocese's 10 campuses
New superintendent eager to start the academic year
By Jim Wogan
Mary Ann Deschaine, a veteran educator with nearly three decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, was announced as the new superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Knoxville on May 31.
She served as superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Saginaw, Mich., from 2011-18, and held the same position in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, W. Va., from 2018 until her appointment in Knoxville.
Mrs. Deschaine is married and has five grown children. She and her husband, Mark, a university-level associate professor of education, have now made Knoxville their home.
Just two days after her first day on the job, Mrs. Deschaine appeared on the “ Inside the Diocese of Knoxville ” podcast with host Jim Wogan to discuss her transition to East Tennessee and her very early assessment of Catholic schools here. The following interview has been edited for clarity and length.
JW: Welcome to… the diocese.
MD: Thank you very much. I am very excited to be here… such a beautiful diocese.
JW: I was walking through the parking lot, and I saw, I think they were teachers getting ready for the school year. You can see the excitement. I can imagine, even
Former diocesan superintendent looks forward to a school-setting return at KCHS
By Bill Brewer
It’s back to where it all began for Dr. Sedonna Prater. And that is an answered prayer.
As the 2023-24 academic year starts, Dr. Prater transitions from superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Knoxville to vice president of academics at Knoxville Catholic High School.
And while honored at serving the diocese’s 10 schools for a decade, returning to high school is an opportunity to connect with students and parents “where they are” for the longtime teacher, principal, and diocesan administrator.
Dr. Prater concluded her work as superintendent in July. Earlier this year she announced she was stepping down to return to an inSchools continued on page A9
