Submitted Photo Paul Pinto submitted his resignation as Northern Chautauqua Catholic School Principal and Chief Operating Officer, effective June 30.

Changes are coming to the only Catholic school in Chautauqua County. Perhaps most notably, the Northern Chautauqua Catholic School will have new leadership, as Paul Pinto has submitted his resignation as Principal and Chief Operating Officer, effective Tuesday.

Pinto spent roughly 18 months as NCCS Principal. “It has been an honor and a privilege to be your Principal,” Pinto said in a message to NCCS families. “My door and office are full of cards from students, their artwork and surprise messages from the last 18 months. We cried together, shared in disagreements but only to grow in faith and love for one sole benefit, your children.”

In his message to families and staff, Pinto referred to plans of the Diocese of Buffalo Department of Catholic Schools to “manage” the school operations beginning next school year. Pinto said that many regional schools across western New York are hesitant to become part of a new model, titled “Catholic Schools of WNY.”

Joleen M. Dimitroff, Superintendent of Catholic Schools with the Diocese of Buffalo, issued a statement described as “a message of faith, confidence, and reassurance”, in which the Diocese expressed it is “fully committed to supporting the school, its students, families, faculty, and staff during this time of transition.”

The NCCS Board of Trustees will work with the Diocese to determine a new administrative structure at NCCS. The Diocese is actively seeking a new Principal for the school. Dimitroff assured parents and staff, “I want to be very clear: Northern Chautauqua Catholic School will remain open.”

The first graduating class of NCCS was in 1990. Pinto challenged NCCS families to continue supporting the school in the years to come.

“We have to keep strong for the future of our school, and to support so many precious lives that have endured our challenging academic, spiritual and athletic programs,” Pinto said. “I am proud of the students’ accomplishments. Please keep these young lives in your prayers and continue to support one another.”

According to Dimitroff, NCCS has set goals focused on “academic excellence, enrollment growth, operational strength, community engagement, and strengthening the Catholic identity that makes NCCS unique.” That focus was characterized as “a roadmap for the future.”

Dimitroff stated, “The Bishop and I share a deep commitment to the families who have entrusted NCCS with the education and formation of their children. Bishop Michael Fisher has expressed his complete support for the school and its continued mission of providing a faith-filled, academically excellent Catholic education in the Northern Chautauqua community.”

Dimitroff’s message concluded by stating, “Catholic education has always been rooted in hope. We are called to serve our children by creating environments where they are known, loved, challenged, and formed in faith. During times of change, our commitment to that mission becomes even stronger. I look forward to a bright future for Northern Chautauqua Catholic School and to seeing the continued growth and success of this special community.”