SCRANTON – As the 2021-2022 academic year gets underway, the Diocese of Scranton Catholic School System is welcoming two new Assistant Superintendents after a nationwide search.

In addition to bringing extensive credentials to their new positions, both Charlene Krushinsky and Michael Slesinski are personally vested in Catholic education and are unwavering in their dedication to the transformative nature of all that Catholic schools offer spiritually and academically.

Krushinsky comes to the Diocese of Scranton with more than 30 years experience in education and a vast knowledge of the Catholic school environment as both an educator and administrator. Beginning her educational career as a fourth grade teacher, she spent the last nine years as a principal in Catholic schools in the Diocese of Phoenix.

The mother of three has a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and a certificate in Effective Catholic School Administration from the University of Notre Dame and her principal certification from the state of Arizona. She has also been a principal mentor and presenter with the

Latino Enrollment Institute at the University of Notre Dame since 2014. The Institute focuses on creating a welcome environment in Catholic schools for Latino families.

“I’m blessed to be here,” Krushinsky told The Catholic Light.

Having never experienced snow or winter in the northeast, she believes God led her to this point in her career on the East Coast.

“God opened a door and here I am. I trust in God. It’s God’s will, not our will,” she said.

In just her first few weeks in the diocese, Krushinsky already visited all 19 Catholic schools and met with each principal. She will primarily be responsible for curriculum development and principal mentoring.

“I’m anxious and excited to meet the teachers and I can’t wait to go back and visit and meet the children,” Krushinsky said. “What I love is the history and the deep roots of Catholicism that are here in the Diocese of Scranton.”

As an instructional leader, Krushinsky is committed to a growth mindset and has worked with NWEA Map Growth to improve educational outcomes. She also has a proven record of accomplishment in enrollment and fundraising.

Having put three daughters through the Catholic education system, Krushinsky wants parents and families to know that she is always available to them.

“I would love for parents to know that my door is always open. Feel free to call or email with questions or concerns. We’re here to support parents in this journey in providing a Catholic education for their child. They are making the right choice, the best choice, they’re investing in their child’s future,” she added.

Michael Slesinski says he is “tremendously excited” to join the Diocese of Scranton’s Catholic Schools team.

After beginning his career as an educator more than 15 years ago, Slesinski most recently worked as an administrator at the district and Intermediate Unit level as a Supervisor for Special Education and Director of Special Services.

Slesinski previously worked in the Luzerne Intermediate Unit, East Stroudsburg Area School District, Mountain View School District and the New York City Department of Education. He attended Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York his entire life growing up.

As the Diocese of Scranton works to enhance our offerings for students with exceptionalities, Slesinski hopes his knowledge will help all levels of learners in the diocese.

“The idea of being able to bring those tools to schools in our system, so that students who want to be a part of our system can succeed to the greatest extent possible is incredibly exciting for me,” Slesinski said.

Slesinski has a Masters in Educational Leadership from Lehman College in New York and anticipates completion of a doctoral degree in Administration and Leadership Studies from East Stroudsburg University this year. He also has obtained a PA Superintendent Letter of Eligibility.

“During the course of the past 15 years of work in education, one of the highlights for me has been working collaboratively with parents and allowing parents to feel comfortable with the different schools where I worked,” he added.

In his new role, Slesinski will also focus on technology and school safety initiatives.

“My goal is to take the wonderful things we’re already doing in both of those areas and continue to grow them,” he said.