This article is a wondering testament to the hard work and dedication that Mrs. DeWitt has put in to the school. She loves it with all of her heart and IHM loves her! As parents, we are going to continue to push for her reinstatement.

The parents and teachers want Mrs. DeWitt to remain on. The Archdiocese has not taken one action to show us that they care what the parents or teachers think. It is about them and they have repeatedly slammed the door in our face. It's insulting that they won't even hear our opinions out. We know they have the ultimate decision making but at least hear our concerns instead of repeating the same lines over and over 'she resigned'. There is a lot more to be said.

Honest question for the IHM parents: If the pastor and principal didn't get along before, how could they possibly expect to co-exist now? If what they say happened really happened they should be protesting the archbishop for allowing one of his priests to bully the school. They are wasting their time trying to erase the past and ask others to pretend nothing has happened.

I am so amazed at the dysfunctional way in which the Archdiocese has responded to this. In the beginning it was easy to find a resolution. Now, it is clear the Pastor has to go. If he does not, its time to find another school. Left behind is the residue of a tsunami created by the Pastor. Is it possible that the Archdiocese has no concern for the views of the congregation? I suspect it is.

Sal DePasquale

BTW, there were more like 20+ parents out there at various times and it was for close to two hours. The drive-by support was exceptional and the parents are engergized once again. You all should join us next time. You might learn something.

This is a true picture of the Archidocese just covering up another mess. Instead of looking into the matter, they put their head in the sand hoping it will go away. Even if Mrs. DeWitt is not the principal, which is devasting to think, the issues have to be resolved for any principal to do their job effectively. We will not go away.

Mrs. DeWitt is one of the most dedicated, loving educators it has ever been my pleasure to work with. After her more than thirty years of dedication to that parish and school, I am saddened that it has come to this. My heart and my prayers are with the entire IHM School family, faculty, parents, students and clergy alike.

To the Archdiocese I say, "Good people are hard to find. Don't be so quick to discard those who have dedicated themselves, heart and soul, professionally and personally, to the important work of your schools. There is no one who personifies this dedication more than Patricia DeWitt."

Greg Kaiser
Former principal, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School

The Archbishop needs to step in and get involved. Ignoring things may have worked in the old days when communications were poor and people needed the church. This turning a blind eye will not work these days. For evidence look at what is happening in the middle east. Wake up church!!! There have been disfunctional governance activities (Pastor getting too involved in the school) for a while now and this will be evidenced in a SACS report to come out in a couple of months. However the damage will be done by then. The suprintendent is aware of this but cannot seem to do anything as she is powerless against the church. The next best thing is to speak with your wallets - stop contributing to IHM Parish and give your money elsewhere. Also, get more involved in the school so we can keep close watch on the operations of the school.

The tactic of no response used by the Archdiocese is the ultimate expression of contempt and disdain. Over a month ago correspondence was hand delivered, with about 50 signature, asking for the Archdiocese to review Mrs. DeWitt's resignation.

It would seem that the Archdiocese would not need anyone to ask them to review a resignation by a highly accomplished Principal, but it did. The silly response from the Superintendent that we should simply honor the resignation is so disconnected from reality words cannot describe it.

The response from the Archdiocese has sent a very clear message. The congregation means zero to the Archdiocese.

Sal DePasquale

There are 500 students at IHM. 15 or 20 0r 30 parents does not represent a big number. It represents the lunatic fringe.

Sorry for waiting so long to write... it's finally time for someone who is "immediately involved" to comment. Some Long Time IHMers or former parents are commenting about accepting Mrs. DeWitt's resignation as the final word and moving on to maintain the peace. Unfortunately, for those of you who aren't currently part of IHM's parish or school, you can't intelligently comment on the subject. You aren't walking the halls of the school... you don't arrive at work each day wondering whether or not you'll have another incredibly capable leader chosen by a group of the pastor's choosing. You don't have to answer questions from your students and concerned parents about why Mrs. DeWitt is really leaving if she loves the school so much. You don't have to sit through faculty meetings where the pastor simply says "this is MY decision and we'll all have to live with it" when you've heard the week before that your leader is leaving via an impersonal email from the pastor. I've raved for years about IHM School and the feeling of family, intense love and spiritual growth that comes from being a part of this place. I've taught under other principals at other schools and there is no principal more capable and more committed to her position as a role model and Catholic example as Tricia DeWitt. I think it's just plain foolish for anyone to state that Mrs. DeWitt resigned and just wanted to leave. All of us who work alongside of her and have known her for years know this is not her wish.

Additionally, to whomever commented about this being an HR issue and "we may never know all the details", it certainly would be.... except teachers have already appealed to HR about problems occurring between the school personnel and the pastor and details that we are aware of and we teachers have received the same bland form response that parents are receiving... "there is no problem, Mrs. DeWitt resigned and she was not forced." Why would we continue to go to the Archdiocese's Human Resource Dept. when they don't listen to our concerns? When true concerns were voiced, we were silenced just like every parent who's asked more about the situation. Parents, teachers, and community members deserve more than a form answer when their child's education and spiritual growth is at stake. Bottom line. I would think the Archbishop and the Archdiocese would be gravely concerned. I'm still praying they don't continue to let us down.

Long Time IHMer,

If you had attended any of the Town Hall Meetings that were organized by IHM School parents, due to the refusal of Fr. Schilllinger and the Archdiocese to hold any such meetings to address parent concerns, then you would be aware that well in excess of 200 parents have attended these meetings. You would also be aware that the issues raised by the parents at these meetings are legitimate concerns that affect your children as well, assuming that you have children at IHM. Further, if you had taken the time to meet with teachers, staff, and Mrs. DeWitt, then you would be aware that Mrs. DeWitt wants to remain as principal of IHM School, that the teachers feel intimidated by the Pastor, and that there are serious concerns with compliance of the SAIS/SACS Standards and Indicators for accreditation/re-accreditation related to governance at the school, as well as the Administrative Structure policies of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Not to mention, the minimal involvement of Fr. Schillinger in the spiritual guidance and enrichment of our children at IHM School.

It is certainly your perogative not to ask questions or investigate any of the foregoing issues. To criticize other parents who are asking questions, investigating the issues, and demanding answers related to their children's education and what is in the best interests of their children, the administration/faculty/staff, and IHM School, however, is uninformed at best.

I'm also an IHM parent. I haven't been on the front lines protesting, but I've certainly voiced my concerns to the Archdiocese and asked for this situation to be reviewed to prevent the loss of our next principal. Of course my concerns were ignored, just like everyone else's. I find it sad for Long Time IHMer to call those publicly voicing their concerns as the "lunatic fringe." Long Time IHMer, have you even bothered to speak with teachers and/or Mrs. DeWitt? And I don't mean talking to the 2 or 3 teachers who actually support the pastor. Teachers have recently asked if parents have given up this "fight," afraid that they have done so. The "lunatic fringe" is simply trying to be the voice for the teachers, as they have no voice in this matter. Our pastor has made it clear that he doesn't care what our teachers think, just as he doesn't care what we parents think. And through this, it has become clear that the Archbishop also doesn't care. What a sad situation. Long Time IHMer, if you have indeed been at the school for a long time, I would think you would have more regard for the teachers' feelings. If it makes me a lunatic for actually caring, I'll gladly accept that label. I'd rather be part of the "lunatic fringe" than sit back and allow a dictatorial pastor lead with manipulation and intimidation and do nothing about it.

Thank You IHM Teacher and Concernedparent. I am a current IHM parent and what you say is very true ~ IHM is a very special place and under the academic and spiritual leadership of Tricia DeWitt our school has thrived and become the best school in the Archdiocese. This is a fact.
How Archbishop Gregory can sit back and let this school suffer is absolutely beyond my comprehension. Our school community has written and begged for help, we have followed all of the proper channels to ask for investigations into known abuses of power by our pastor, and we get nothing. It's also well known that Archbishop Gregory and Fr. Schillinger are good friends. We hear Fr. Schillinger brag about it in church! The Catholic Brotherhood at work once again, only this time the children who are suffering are the students of IHM!
Yes, we all know Tricia DeWitt turned in her resignation. We also know she was under extreme duress! We ask for help investigating WHY was she under duress? What forced her to act this way at the height of her career? WHY? Why when she asked our pastor to rescind her resignation did he not ? Earlier in a letter he said he was "reluctant" to accept her resignation, why not give it back and work things out? (because he wants her gone! ) To the Long Time IHMer, you couldn't be more wrong, your numbers are way, way off....Are you a current parent? Do think everything is OK? Are you happy with the idea of Tricia DeWitt leaving? If so, can you tell us why?

Please join us on April 3!!!!!

http://northdruidhills.patch.com/announcements/ihm-protest-demonstration

Every demonstration I attend becomes more empowering. They provide me with a voice and behind my 1 little sign is a community of parents and teachers that cannot be out there. Maybe I'll have each teacher create a sign that I can take out there on April 3 since they are not allowed to show up themselves without fear of losing their jobs.

Did you know that the teachers were threatened with insubordination if they showed up at a demonstration?

We've just received the letter we knew we'd get... teachers should not be commenting on public forums. So for all of those parents who are working so hard to get the truth out there, please keep asking questions! Pen, I absolutely agree with what you're saying about putting specific examples out there. And I promise you that many teachers have numerous examples... but when we put those out there, other people in places of higher power then can easily determine who gave certain information and we would certainly be reprimanded, if not fired. Teachers know a great deal and have seen a great deal of evidence with their own eyes and ears, but many people would be held responsible for this specific information getting out and we would struggle to maintain our jobs or acquire one in the future. It's a shame.

In response to the recent correspondence from Starkovitch:

You indicate that the Archdiocese has the Policy Manual for Catholic Schools. Has Father Schillinger complied with the Policy Manual?

Your explanation of the legal foundation for school operations was somewhat confusing. Does it mean that the accreditation agencies are irrelevant? If they are relevant and they do examine issues of school governance, has Father Schillinger operated in compliance with the standards used by the accreditation agency? If they are not relevant, have you informed the accreditation agency of such and have you been misleading them in the past by acting as if they are relevant?

As a Superintendent of Schools are you not a bit disturbed that the Principal of your only Blue Ribbon School of Excellence has unexpectedly resigned? Do you and Archbishop Gregory share a chuckle at the concerns expressed by parents? Has the Archdiocese structured its response to the parents based upon the example set during the pedophelia scandal?

Since questions about her resignation have been directed to you and Father Schillinger, and since Father Schillinger is a subject of the conflict, are you aware of any reasons for the conflict? Does the conflict have to do with governance issues or is there something more serious underlying the conflict? Would the blank response from the Archdiocese cause you to think there was something more pernicious taking place?

Sal DePasquale

I have misspoken. IHM is not the only Blue Ribbon school in the Archdiocese. Christ the King, Holy Redeemer, Queen of Angels, St. John the Evangelis and Our Lady of Victory have also achieved the status of Excellence. And so I made a mistake.

Wow, that wasn't so bad. Admitting a mistake, no admitting I was wrong, is not so painful.

Sal DePasquale

I would like to link to the notes that a set of parents took while meeting with Fr. Schillinger in early March. Fr. Schillinger was made aware that these notes were going to be "published", and he was given the opportunity to review them prior to them being circulated. He did not request any changes.

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=193446957352418

Pen, we can't get these letters and emails out there because they are specific to certain employees...it would lead to the loss of jobs and most of us can't afford that and don't want to leave the school we love. I wish there were another way to get more of the truth out there.

As a parishioner of IHM for nine years now, I have been disheartened by Fr. Schillinger’s behavior over the years. Sadly, this latest incident with the school does not surprise me. Oh, and if anyone is curious I can tell you exactly why Fr. Schillinger will not agree to a town hall on this issue. It is because the last time he held a town hall, concerning the construction of the new church building, he was shocked to discover that people disagreed with his plans and expressed concerns about them. It turned into Father shouting at several members of the parish. It was hardly a shouting match (as he claims) – it was all one sided – his side. This and other incidents over the years have demonstrated that Fr. Schillinger has a “my way or the highway” aggressive mentality that is incompatible with parish life. He needs to be reassigned to a chaplaincy somewhere that does not involve running a parish or a school. Bishop Gregory, I know Fr. Schillinger is your friend but please remember your responsibility to the people and get him out of IHM!

As an IHM Parishioner I am deeply saddened by this situation. It is not only embarrassing how these parents and Mrs. DeWitt are acting but also extremely distractive and disruptive. In the public sector, if an employee acted in an insubordinate manner they would be escorted out – the Church has shown great patience in dealing with this situation. If Mrs. DeWitt wanted these protests to end, she would have put a stop to it but has chosen to allow them to continue. While these adults are working on their own agendas, they seem to have forgotten how disruptive this is to the kids trying to learn something at school – which is the saddest part about it all. Setting this type of bad example and broadcasting it over the news is an embarrassment to all at IHM.

AtlResident, I assume your comments are serious. I am protesting the forced removal of Mrs. DeWitt and I did not ask Mrs. DeWitt or anyone else for permission. If you are in the public sector, you certainly are aware of the Constitution and First Amendment Rights. People in the public sector are also protected by the First Amendment.

You may find it informative that the Archdiocese has issued a policy manual for the guidance of the schools. It appears Archdiocese policy has been violated, placed the Principal in a hostile environment where she could not exercise her duties in accordance with policy, and was compelled to resign. Her resignation alerted the customers of the school of which I am one. I have a right, and a duty as a follower of Christ, to complain and voice my protest.

The bad example, in my view, is an Archdiocese that fails to enforce its own policy and has placed in jeopardy is highly successful school. The bad example is an Archdiocese that has failed to respond to direct and specific questions. The bad example is the manipulation attempted by church leaders who state Mrs. DeWitt's resignation was unexpectly received and reluctantly accepted, while refusing to permit her to rescind the resignation, a painfully obvious contradiction. The bad example is the naked powerplay to remove a Principal and quickly find a replacement, so the referees do not have time to review the play.

Please note, I am not afraid to sign my name.

Sal DePasquale

AltResident, your comment shows how little you know about the situation, and it also shows how our pastor has misled the congregation. What, exactly, has Mrs. DeWitt done wrong? If you want to be angry toward parents, that's one thing, but Mrs. DeWitt has done nothing wrong. She hasn't contacted media, and she has sent several emails asking parents to stop protesting on her behalf, asking that the focus be on the children. What do you want her to do, go outside with pepper spray when parents show up to protest peacefully? The only thing she will do is meet with parents one-on-one, when they have questions about why she is leaving, which is what a good principal should do. She has behaved with the utmost grace and class. If Tricia wanted to, she could reveal a LOT of information. She would never do that because she loves our school and she loves the students. And yes, it IS embarrassing! But, it could have ALL been avoided. Our pastor had the power to avoid this entire thing and he chose not to do so. As for the students, they are learning and thriving, as they have always done at IHM. Maybe you should pay a visit to the school and see what goes on inside. Despite our pastor's disinterest, IHM School is still an incredible place full of joy, love, and blessings. I'm honored to have a child there, even in this situation. As a fellow IHM Parishioner, I only wish I felt that same outpouring of love when I stepped inside of the church.

By the way, insubordination relates to the performance of job duties; it does not relate to the First Amendment. I suspect teachers have been warned against participation in protest or their jobs are at stake. Georgia is an employment at will state. I'm not a lawyer but as I understand it the employer can terminate employment without a reason. But if a reason is given, it needs to be a legal reason. I suspect a prohibition against exercising Constitutional rights, outside the workplace, would represent a problem for the employer. I wonder how it works with yearly contracts.

Archbishop Gregory has indicated his support for non-violent protest. On Good Friday he plans to conclude his Stations of the Cross at the MLK monument which represents non-violent protest. It must be nice for him to drape himself in the robes of Martin Luther King.

I suspect this episode is a test of Archbishop Gregory's stated beliefs. Its one thing to state them; quite another to actually live them. It has been said many times, the making of a person is not how you act when things are going your way; it is how you act when they are not. I pray his beliefs have more substance than his school policy which,when unenforced, is hollow.

Here's a question, if teachers participate in the Good Friday festivities and they wear an IHM logo, would that be considered insubordination?

Sal DePasquale

AtlResident,
Everyone is entitled to an opinion. Your comments reveal a complete lack of knowledge with respect to the situation at IHM School. Fr. Schillinger has violated SAIS/SACS Standards & Indicators (the dual accreditation agencies) related to governance of the school, as well as Archdiocesan governance policies, that put the accreditation of the school at risk. This will come out in the Accreditation Committee Report, one way or another. The school administation, faculty, & staff have been intimidated and threatened during his tenure at IHM. Fr. Schillinger spends virtually no time providing spiritual guidance and enrichment to the children of the school. That is in direct contravention of Policy 20oo of the Archdiocesan Policy Manual which provides, "In parisch schools, the pastor's most important role is that of spritual leadership of the parish community."

In the public sector, if an employee had acted in the manner that Fr. Schillinger has, he would have been terminated immediately. And his employer quite likely would have been sued as a result of his actions. The only patience shown by the Church in dealing with this situation has been with respect to allowing Fr. Schillinger's actions to go unabated. It has totally ignored the parents concerns & refused to investigate or address them in any manner. Any embarassment brought to IHM is at the hands of the Archdiocese and its leadership.

The remainder of this response will follow due 2 space lmt

AtlResident (continued),

If standing up for what is right and fighting to protect our children, the administration, faculty, staff, and the accreditation of the school itself is an "agenda," then those parents, parishioners, and teachers that have taken this on stand guilty as charged. Everyone involved has gone to great lengths to protect our children. Ours know only what they have been told at school- that Mrs. DeWitt is leaving as principal.

May God bless everyone involved in this sad situation.

Who is this Tim Buckley that apperently has a great deal of influence with Father on school hirings and other school matters?

I am Tim Buckley. To shed some light on this, I will quote the Zen philospher Ron Burgundy:
"I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal. People know me.
I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany. " -- Anchorman.
The only school hiring in which I have participated in my years as a parishioner and parent is as a member of the search committee that met before Mrs. Dewitt was rehired. I also gave a letter of recommendation for Mrs. Etheridge when she applied to IHM. Otherwise, none. I hope everyone has a great spring break!

Here is a petition that you my want to review and sign!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/Maintain-Blue-Ribbon-Excellence-at-IHM/

Thank goodness we have the PATCH where people have an opportunity to express themselves. The frustration, anger, fear and disillusionment are more than evident in the many postings to this article and to the other article.
A religious faith based upon a man who courageously stood up against arrogant church elders and for justice is the foundation for followers who fervently believe in justice and who are offened by an abuse of power.
Appeals to the Archdiocese for addressing the injustice have been met with a condescending attitude and in many instances silence.
And so we are left with protest through demonstrations, petitions, pray vigils and the like. Most people are uncomfortable with these actions and many simply do not have the time. The tragedy is that a Pastor would be the impetus for such turmoil in a Parish that was so cohesive.
The problem, in my view, is not Mr. Buckley or the many parishioners who refrain from action; the problem is the leadership of a faith based on justice, that simply has failed to respond.

Sal DePasquale

It has been said that the Archiocese Policy Manual stipulates that the Pastor is the employer and, in all matters, is the ultimate decision maker. But the Policy Manual also stipulates a specific role for the Pastor and it stipulates specific duties for the Principal in administration of the school. It would seem to me that if the notation of the Pastor as the ultimate decision maker means that the Pastor can totally disregard the rest of the Policy Manual, then it really isn't a Policy Manual, it is a guideline. If that is the case and if the Archdiocese Policy is little more than a suggestion, then it should be labelled Archdiocese Guidebook, not a Policy Manual.
If it is to be accepted as a policy manual, within the parameters of Administration, the Pastor is the employer and is responsible for signing contracts. The Principal is responsible for school administration which includes, but not limited to, staff selection and supervision, training, curriculum, financial mangement, and other such tasks normally aligned under the umbrella of administration. Pastor interference violates the Archdiocese Policy, if the Archdiocese Policy is, indeed, a policy and not merely a suggestion, in my view.

In protesting in support of Mrs. DeWitt it has been said many times that the Catholic Church is not a democracy. I'm not looking for a referendum, I'm looking for the Archdiocese to enforce its own rules, if in fact, they are more than mere suggestions.

Sal DePasquale

The Archbishop isn't going to say anything because he wants the million dollars. Follow the money. If the million dollars was being withheld then you'd hear from him.

It seems to me the key is school governance. If the Pastor can bypass the Policy Manual at his whim, then the Manual is hollow. This is very imporant for parents with children in the school, because it could place in jeopardy the school's accreditation. I would also suspect that if the acceditation agency recognizes that what they thought was a governing document, is not governing and is subject to the Pastor's whim, it would place in jeopardy every Catholic school in the Archdiocese. I know governance is an issue reviewed the the accreditors and that governance was an issue in Clayton County, but I do not know if it is a show stopper. In any event, a school that operates at the Pastor's whim is not much of a school.

I'd like to hear from some of the attorneys at the Parish. I understand teachers have been told their jobs will be in jeopardy if they participate in any demonstrations. I can understand that restriction when they are on the job, but when they are off the job can the Archdiocese take away their First Amendment rights? I understand the church is excused from certain aspects of Civil Rights, but can it use the freedom of religion arguement to circumvent the freedom of speech? Can it use the first amendment to argue against the first amendment? That would be interesting.

Sal DePasquale

Dear ATLResident, The BP Oil spill was embarrassing too. No one wanted it. It's wasn't good for business. However they owned it and it is the PEOPLE that made them own it. Notice that the CEO was removed and a thorough investigation is still underway. BP acknowledges that the 'healing' will require a huge PR effort to repair the damage but at least they appear committed to it. They aren't telling everyone to 'get over it'. They will be held accountable to correct any wrong doings so that the tragedy doesn't happen again.

We're not alone with this issue.

http://www.projectnola.com/the-news/news/42-fox-8/133002-controversy-heats-up-at-algiers-catholic-school

The New Orlean's principal resignation/firing got a lot more press. Here is another link that is from 3/25.

http://www.nola.com/education/index.ssf/2011/03/angst_still_surges_at_st_andre.html

You can also google the school name and see more press articles to understand their situation.

In the immortal words of former NY Yankees Hall of Famer, Yogi Berra, "It's deja vu all over again." It sounds like the majority of the minimal comments made by the Archdiocese of New Orleans came from the exact same script used by the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Just as in IHM's case, the amount of information protected by human resources or employee/employer confidentiality is minimal; particularly so when the empolyee involved is willing to make the information available publicly. It is disgraceful that ours or any Archdiocese would act in such a manner. This is symptomatic of the reason many have left the Catholic church.

Saint Andrew the Apostle facing similar situation in New Orleans.

The school governance issue is very important. It was key in Clayton County Schools losing accreditation and it was key in the troubles for Atlanta Public Schools and Dekalb County Schools.

Sal DePasquale

Thank you for your advice. People do resign, but sometimes they resign to draw attention to a problem. It seems evident the problem is with the Pastor interfering with the Principal's ability to perform her duties as specified in the Archdiocese Policy Manual. That same Policy Manual is used by the acceditation agency in its evaluation of school governance. I may be incorrect, but as I read it, the Pastor's role is rather clearly defined. If he is violating a policy of school governance, the higher authority--the Archdiocese--should teach him how to play nice in the sandbox and, perhaps, to not act like a bully. If the Archdiocese takes the position that it is not their problem and the Pastor can override the Policy Manual, then the Policy Manual is more of a guideline.

This should be important to SAIC, because they may have incorrectly viewed the Policy Manual as an actual Policy Manual. To be sure, if this element of school governance is meaningless and subject to the Pastor's whim, it would seem plausible that it would impact every school accredited in the Archdiocese.

Just as SACS removed accreditation from Clayton County and placed Dekalb County and Atlanta Public Schools on probation, due in part to issues of governance, SAIC should apply the same precedent as it deals with Archdiocese schools. I suspect you would agree that would be the fair and honorable thing to do.

As for hating Father Schillinger, not even close.

Sal DePasquale

AtlResident, be careful for what you ask for. You most certainly will get change, but it will most likely not be a bigger and better future. I challenge you to look deeper into this situation and what has brought our school to this point. There are on-going governance issues here, and they have yet to be addressed. Are you willing to accept a new principal who will be a puppet, or are you willing to accept a situation that sets itself up for revolving door principals? I am not. I am not resistant to change if it is for the good. I fail to see that in our current situation. I am sorry that you are embarrassed by this situation, but I remind you that we did not create this situation - Fr. Schillinger has. We are only trying to clean up his mess and prevent an even greater tragedy from occurring with the loss of our teachers and the leadership that has brought our school to National Blue Ribbon status.

Sometimes change can be a good thing and other times it just disrupts a perfectly working system. What we are so angry about with this change is that it didn't have to happen because nothing was broken with our school. Unfortunately, through this 'change' we have learned that things are broken and now the one person that was holding it together is no longer going to be there.

As parents we can ensure that the future 'change' is under controllsince we clearly can't change the past.

Sue,

Fr. Schillinger has violated SAIS/SACS Standards & Indicators (the dual accreditation agencies) related to governance of the school, as well as Archdiocesan governance policies, that put the accreditation of the school at risk. That will come out in the Accreditation Committee Report, one way or another. If you had taken the time to ask questions and meet with Mrs. DeWitt, you would know this already.

Ask any experienced teacher and they will tell you that the principal dictates the direction of the school. Meet with and ask any IHM teacher (including Fr. Schillinger supporters) and they will tell you that IHM would not be the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence that it is without the leadership of Tricia DeWitt.

You have a wonderful school at IHM, but if the Archdiocese is unwilling to step in and at least listen to parents and investigate the situation, you have a problem. If most parents are happy with Mrs. DeWitt, and are currently supporting the school and the Diocese with their monies, then the leadership would be wise to take note.

When one person is allowed to bully those he is contracted to serve (I'm referring to Fr. Schillinger) eventually the children will suffer. The atmosphere in the school will change, make no mistake about this. When people feel disempowered, there is a response. Keep digging to find out the truth of the matter. My guess is that there are motives and agendas that are still hidden and that have nothing to do with a love of children or their well-being.

And hey, if all else fails, take your faith (and money) elsewhere.