By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic
MIAMI | Jim Rigg begins his tenure this Tuesday, July 6, as cabinet secretary of education and superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Miami. He succeeds Kim Pryzbylski, who retired June 30, 2021, after 10 years in both positions.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski announced Rigg’s appointment at the end of April.
Photographer: FILE
Jim Rigg takes over July 6, 2021 as Cabinet Secretary of Education and Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Miami.
He holds a doctorate in educational administration and served as superintendent in the Archdiocese of Chicago for the past six years. Previously, he served as director of education and superintendent of schools in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, overseeing the Office of Catechesis as well as the Office of Schools, an organizational structure similar to Miami’s.
In Miami, Rigg will guide 57 Catholic schools, including the ADOM Virtual School, spread across the archdiocese’s three counties, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe.
“I am confident his expertise, leadership and commitment will enable Dr. Rigg to build on Dr. Pryzbylski’s accomplishments, dedication and mission in providing excellent Catholic education and financial aid benefits to students in South Florida,” the archbishop said while announcing the appointment.
Prior to Rigg’s role as superintendent in two archdioceses, he served Catholic schools in Tennessee and Colorado as a teacher, dean, principal, assistant superintendent, and college-seminary lecturer. He brings skills in church governance and funding models, community outreach to build a unified vision for Catholic education, legislative advocacy with a focus on parental choice programs, and most importantly, an unwavering enthusiasm and passion for the role Catholic schools can play in the renewal of the Church.
"I am sincerely honored and thrilled to serve as the cabinet secretary for education and superintendent for the Archdiocese of Miami,” Rigg said. “During my brief experiences in the archdiocese, I have been deeply impressed by the quality and vibrancy of the Catholic schools, and the commitment of school families, employees, and supporters. The archdiocese is a great place for Catholic education.”
A search committee comprised of pastors, a former principal, parents and others, worked with Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions to select Rigg from among a highly qualified group of individuals seeking to serve in Miami.
Sister Elizabeth Worley of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, who serves as chancellor for administration, chaired the search committee. She noted that Pryzbylski’s leadership during her 10-year tenure has contributed to the vitality of archdiocesan schools, making the job of superintendent here very attractive to the group of highly qualified applicants.
