News Summary
Denise Alcala, the principal of St. Peter School in Warwick, R.I., has been placed on administrative leave following the resignation of six teachers. The Diocese of Providence confirmed these resignations but did not disclose specific reasons. Parents have voiced concerns about the principal’s leadership, while the diocese has stated its support for her. An interim principal has been appointed to ensure continuity at the school. As community members cope with these changes, officials promise ongoing support for affected students.
Warwick, R.I. – Principal Placed on Leave Following Teacher Resignations
Denise Alcala, the principal of St. Peter School in Warwick, R.I., has been placed on administrative leave amid rising concerns from families associated with the school. This decision follows the voluntary resignation of six teachers on October 7, which has led to a significant shake-up within the school’s staff.
The Diocese of Providence has confirmed the resignation of the six teachers but has not disclosed specific reasons for their departures. Michael Kieloch, a spokesperson for the diocese, conveyed that the decision to place Alcala on leave was a personnel matter and declined to provide additional details.
Background of the Situation
An important meeting occurred between families and diocese officials, during which multiple concerns regarding Alcala were brought up. Prior to the resignations, Superintendent of Catholic Schools William F. Klements noted that several teachers had lodged complaints against Alcala. However, an internal review conducted by the diocese reportedly found no wrongdoing on her part.
The departures of the six teachers have resulted in a decrease in the number of faculty members at St. Peter School, which has seen its staff dwindle from 26 to 20. Parents expressed their emotional turmoil during this transition, highlighting that many of the resigned teachers were long-serving and highly regarded within the school community.
Additionally, some parents have alleged that departing teachers faced an ultimatum requiring them to sign a document reaffirming their commitment to Catholic values or resign from their positions. The diocese has not confirmed these claims.
Response from the Diocese and School Officials
Despite the recent turmoil, the diocese has voiced its continued support for Alcala and the existing leadership at the school. In light of the recent faculty changes, Kevin Peloquin, currently the assistant director of education for the diocese’s Catholic Schools Office, has been appointed as the interim principal to ensure continued school operations.
Father Gregory Stowe has also been recruited to assist in guiding the school through this transitional phase and addressing the concerns of parents effectively. School officials have assured parents that classroom learning will proceed without interruption, even amidst the changes in faculty.
St. Peter School has been operational since 1959 and serves students from preschool through Grade 8. In response to the recent situation, officials announced that they would be providing ongoing support for students affected by these changes, with plans for future meetings to discuss the direction of the school moving forward.
As the situation develops, parents and community members are encouraged to stay informed and involved to assist in maintaining the educational integrity of St. Peter School.
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Additional Resources
- Turnto10: Several Teachers Resign at St. Peter School
- NBC Boston: St. Peter School Teachers Resign
- WPRI: St. Peter School Principal on Leave
- Warwick Online: At St. Peter School, 6 Teachers Walk Out
- Boston Globe: RI Teachers Resign from Catholic School
- Wikipedia: Rhode Island
- Google Search: St. Peter School Warwick
- Google Scholar: Education Crisis in Rhode Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Roman Catholicism
- Google News: Teacher Resignations Rhode Island
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