Courtesy Photo Penny Clemens, the new superintendent of all catholic schools within the Diocese of Gaylord is pictured in this courtesy photo.

ALPENA — Penny Clemens, the new superintendent of All Saints Catholic School in Alpena as well as all Catholic schools within the Diocese of Gaylord has big plans for the schools she will oversee in her new position.

“I’m excited to start my new position,” Clemens said Tuesday. “I love education, especially Catholic education.”

Clemens was appointed to her position on June 29 by bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord, Jeffrey J. Walsh.

Clemens has been affiliated with the Diocese of Gaylord since 2018, serving in a plethora of roles. These roles include principal of St. Joseph’s Catholic School in West Branch, serving as a member of the diocese’s superintendent leadership team and associate superintendent among others.

Asked about potential challenges that she expects to face as superintendent, Clemens spoke about the nationwide teacher shortage. While she was principal at St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Clemens implemented policies to promote staff retention such as wage increases.

As superintendent, Clemens will look to work in conjunction with the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools to help the schools in her district better obtain and retain teachers.

Another thing that Clemens acknowledges as one of her biggest challenges is managing all the schools within the Diocese, given the number of schools and the range it covers.

The Diocese oversees schools in 13 counties, including St. Ignatius Catholic School in Rogers City, as well as schools in Grand Traverse, Otsego, Cheboygan, and Iosco counties among others.

“One of the challenges is the size of our district and the distance between our schools.” Clemens said about challenges she expects as superintendent.

As the superintendent of the Diocese of Gaylord, Clemens is responsible for overseeing 14 different schools across the state. One goal Clemens hopes to work toward is better coordination between schools to form stronger partnerships with each other, especially schools in the same region.

“My goal for All Saints and actually for all of my schools is for them to form regional relationships.” Clemens said.

From there, Clemens will meet with the principals of each individual school and work with them to develop/understand their goals for their schools.