FALL RIVER − An educator with nearly 20-years of experience as an administrator and teacher in Catholic schools including Bishop Feehan High School has been selected to lead schools in the Fall River Diocese.

Daniel S. Roy (in photo), for the past three years an associate superintendent for schools in the Archdiocese of Boston, will become Superintendent of Schools for the Fall River Diocese effective August 3rd, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., has announced.

He will succeed current superintendent Stephen A. Perla, who is leaving at the end of July to work nationally as an education consultant.

Prior to his position in the Boston Archdiocese, Roy was principal for six years at Nativity Preparatory School in Jamaica Plain, Mass., where he was also a teacher for six years earlier in his career.

In between his two posts at that school, he was on the faculty at Bishop Feehan High School in North Attleboro from 2007 to 2011, teaching theology for multi-grade levels.

“I am very pleased to welcome Dan as our new superintendent of schools and I look forward to working with him,” Bishop da Cunha said. “Having taught in one of our schools, he already has a connection with our diocesan school system that will be helpful as he begins his work as superintendent.”

The bishop pointed out that it became clear through the interview process that Roy “has a tremendous love for the Church and a special enthusiasm and hope for our schools.”

Roy expressed his gratitude to Bishop da Cunha and the Fall River Diocese Central Catholic Schools Board for the opportunity to serve as superintendent.

“I look forward to returning to the Diocese of Fall River to join the work that lies ahead in raising the value proposition of Catholic education,” he said. “The strategic thinking led by Bishop da Cunha stands to bring diocesan schools to the next level, and I am eager to work with the Catholic Schools Office, diocesan staff, and other stakeholders to advance this strategy.

“We are at a critical juncture in Catholic education in our country. Now more than ever, our world needs schools that provide an education with Jesus at its heart.”

Central School Board chairperson Roger Sullivan, who was a member of the Superintendent Search Committee, also noted Roy’s enthusiasm for the mission of Catholic education.

“Among all of the candidates, Dan clearly expressed a strong belief and enthusiasm for Catholic education,” he said. “We are pleased that Dan is joining us as we strive to bring the highest quality Catholic education to our students and their families, particularly during these challenging times. On behalf of the Diocesan School Board, I welcome Dan Roy wholeheartedly as our new superintendent.”

The Fall River diocesan school system comprises 4 high schools and 16 elementary and middle schools. It was announced early this month that elementary and middle schools will fully reopen for in-classroom learning in September while also providing an option for remote learning for students not yet ready to return. The high schools will announce their plans on an individual basis.

In the Boston Archdiocesan Catholic Schools Office, Roy served as associate superintendent for mission effectiveness and leadership, arranging for professional development programs for school leaders, developing and supervising a principal evaluation system, and providing ongoing support to principals and pastors on human resources, legal issues, and other school policy matters.

As principal at Nativity Prep, he directed a rigorous, faith-based academic middle school program for boys from low-income families residing in Boston. He worked closely with families from diverse backgrounds to address areas of academic challenges. While there, he developed a 4th-grade program that welcomed an inaugural class in 2013 and he oversaw an upgrade of the school’s technology.

Roy holds two master’s of education degrees from Boston College, in educational leadership and in secondary education. He earned his bachelor’s degree in religious studies from Macalester College in Minnesota.

He is married and the father of twin girls. His wife is a Catholic principal outside the Fall River Diocese and his daughters attend a Catholic elementary school.

“As a family,” he said, “we are committed to ensuring that Catholic education is strengthened and sustained for future generations.”

Reverendísimo Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
Reverendísimo Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Bishop of Fall River