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Superintendent leaving Diocese

WHEELING — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston soon will begin the search for a new superintendent of schools, as Vincent de Paul Schmidt has announced he is leaving to oversee Catholic education for the Diocese of Toledo.

Schmidt, who came to Wheeling about six years ago to oversee Catholic education in West Virginia, informed the diocese of his plans on Thursday. A formal announcement of Schmidt’s hire is expected soon from the Diocese of Toledo.

Schmidt’s final day with the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese is July 31, said diocesan spokesman Tim Bishop.

During Schmidt’s tenure in Wheeling, he oversaw a period of strong student achievement on state and national testing benchmarks. He also dealt with the closing of Bishop Donahue High School in McMechen and the merging of that school’s base with Wheeling Central Catholic High School.

“We certainly thank him for everything he has done for Catholic education in West Virginia,” Bishop said.

Aside from education, Schmidt, who has a son with Down Syndrome, is the founder of the Jensen-Schmidt Tennis Academy for Down Syndrome to teach those with disabilities that they can play tennis. Schmidt is a former professional tennis player.

Schmidt did not immediately return a call this morning seeking comment.

The Diocese of Toledo also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Bishop said no timetable has been set for finding Schmidt’s replacement.

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