St. Mark School: Reflections from a Parent, Parishioner and Principal

I have recently received two anonymous comments (here and here) regarding the turmoil some are feeling at my kids' school, St. Mark.

I have posted before on what a great school I think St. Mark is. As an alumni of St. Mark School, my wife and I are ardent supporters of Catholic education and have been very happy with St. Mark and the role it has played in the development of our children's academic and moral education.

While I have posted links (above) to the comments in the permalink of the post they are attached to, I want to draw them out so I may comment on them.

Comment from April 14, 2006:

Your passion for Catholic thought and insight is inspirational! The efforts you are putting forth will lead people to Christ! Please tackle the difficult question of why the local Catholic school (St Mark School)is being torn apart by internal strife and conflict. Having good Catholic teachers (with many years 15+ of uplifting and spiritual service) leave the school! Many people are hurt and dismayed by these actions.

Comment from April 20, 2006:

Please tackle the difficult question of why the local Catholic school (St Mark School)is being torn apart by internal strife and conflict. Having good Catholic teachers (with many years 15+ of uplifting and spiritual service) leave the school! Many people are hurt and dismayed by these actions.

First of all, I'd like to thank the commentor(s) on their compliments. It is my hope that MCR will bring me closer to Christ, and I pray that anyone who reads it will come closer to Christ through what I share. As far as inspirational, I wouldn't go that far...

Now on to my reflection on what is going on at St. Mark. Please remember that these comments come from a parent of children at the school, as one who has received state certification to be a school principal, and not from my role as Pastoral Council Chair or as an employee of the Madison County School District. I just want to make that clear.

As a parent, I am very content with the education, both academic and spiritual, my children are receiving at St. Mark. I feel like the tuition I am paying to St. Mark, and the sacrifices my family is making in order to pay that tuition are worth the "return" I see in my children. Kathy and I feel like spiritual and academic teaching starts at home and is reinforced at school. We are comfortable with not only this year's progress, but are already excited about next year.

I understand that there are teachers who are leaving. I have not personally spoken to any of them about why they are leaving. I can suspect why they may be leaving, but in the end, revealing my suspicions here, in this forum, would only add to the gossip and negativity I hear coming from a few vocal disgruntled parents. I pray for them as they emabark on new careers or enjoy retirement. I also pray that the principal will find quality Catholic teachers to fill their positions who will in turn fill the minds and hearts of their students.

As an educator, and as a principal, I know that teachers come and go. In my 31 years of being associated with St. Mark School, I have observed many teachers and administrators as a student, parishioner, and as a parent. We have been very fortunate at St. Mrk School to have quality Catholic and non-Catholic teachers in that time. Some have stayed for a very long time, some have stayed one or two years. Some have left of their own accord, and some have been asked to leave.

As an administrator, I know that communication is essential in any good school. I rely on my teachers to communicate to me their concerns and questions. I welcome the comments of parents. My decisions are informed ones, and do not always sit well with my teachers and parents. There are things, as a principal, I am aware of which are for my information and help me make my decisions. It would make my job much more difficult, and unnecessary, if I were to share those things with my staff. That's why I am an administrator.

In the last 31 years, I have always been welcomed when asked to talk with principals and teachers, either as a student, parishioner, or parent, at St. Mark. I have not always gotten the answers I wanted, but I have always gotten answers. I trust in the Lord that He is guiding the leadership and staff of both our parish and school at St. Mark.

I am saddened that some parents and teachers are unsatisfied with St. Mark. But in reality, that happens. And in my opinion, we all have to ask ourselves if staying or leaving is what the Lord wants us to do. As parents, we should be thankful that we have the opportunity and means to choose which school our chidren go to. As educators, we should be thankful for the gifts and talents the Lord has given us to open the minds, hearts and souls of those we teach.

I know this rambles a bit, but I hope it satisfies my anonymous commentor(s). If not, please feel free to leave additional comments.

Here's a prayer I think we all should pray:

Please Lord bless those who teach and administer to Catholic schools. Bless the children who learn and help open their mind to a valuable education. Bless those who support the schools financially and through volunteer efforts. Amen.

-- Jessica Steinmetz