The community at St. Peter School in Warwick is navigating a period of significant uncertainty following the departure of its principal and several teachers. While the diocese has announced leadership changes aimed at ensuring stability, many parents say they are left with more questions than answers about the events that led to the staffing turmoil.
The school is currently operating under temporary leadership as the search for a new principal and replacement teachers begins, leaving families to grapple with the future of their school's administration.
Key Takeaways
- St. Peter School in Warwick is without a permanent principal after Denise Alcala stepped down following an investigation.
- Alcala's departure came after several teachers abruptly resigned from the school.
- An investigation by the diocese found no wrongdoing but Alcala chose to accept a new role elsewhere.
- Parents have expressed concern that their questions about the teacher resignations and the initial allegations have not been fully addressed.
- Kevin Peloquin will continue to serve as the interim leader, a move welcomed by students and parents.
A School in Transition
St. Peter School is facing a challenging period marked by abrupt staff departures. The situation escalated when Principal Denise Alcala was placed on administrative leave after multiple teachers resigned from their positions. This created a leadership vacuum and prompted an immediate response from the diocese.
In an effort to maintain stability, Kevin Peloquin was appointed as the school's temporary leader. The diocese has communicated that changes were necessary for the good of the school community, but the lack of specific details has fueled speculation and concern among parents.
Timeline of Events
The recent turmoil at St. Peter School unfolded over several weeks. It began with the sudden resignation of multiple teachers, which was followed by the principal being placed on administrative leave. An investigation was launched, and a meeting was held with parents to address the situation, culminating in the announcement of the principal's permanent departure and reassignment.
Investigation Clears Principal, Who Steps Aside
The core of the issue involved an allegation against Principal Alcala concerning the online posting of private school information. The Diocese of Providence initiated an investigation into the matter to determine the facts.
According to a letter sent to parents, the investigation concluded that there was no wrongdoing on Alcala's part. The letter stated she was eligible to be reinstated to her position. However, Alcala chose to step aside from her role at St. Peter School.
She has since been reassigned to a position on the leadership team at Bishop McVinney School in Providence. The diocese has not yet clarified the specific duties her new role will entail.
"I also am a little concerned that it seems that, you know, the allegations and what not were not really addressed in the communication," one parent shared, reflecting a common sentiment within the school community.
Parents Seek Transparency on Teacher Resignations
While the diocese's letter addressed the status of the principal, many parents feel it did not adequately explain the circumstances surrounding the teachers who resigned. The initial wave of departures preceded the principal's leave, and families are still unclear on what prompted them to leave so suddenly.
The lack of a clear explanation has become a primary source of frustration for parents. They feel that to move forward, the community needs a more complete understanding of the events that disrupted the school environment. The focus remains on ensuring a stable and transparent administration for their children's education.
Unanswered Questions
Despite communications from the diocese, several key questions remain for the St. Peter School community:
- What were the specific reasons for the mass teacher resignations?
- What was the nature of the private school information that was allegedly posted online?
- What will be Principal Alcala's exact role at her new school?
Interim Leader Provides Stability
Amid the uncertainty, the continued presence of interim leader Kevin Peloquin has been a source of comfort for many families. Parents have noted that their children have a strong, positive relationship with him, and his leadership is seen as a stabilizing force during the transition.
One parent mentioned the positive reaction from her children upon hearing the news. "When I spoke to my kids yesterday about... the changes that were coming and whatnot, they were so happy to hear that Mr. Peloquin was going to stay on for a little while. They love him," she said. "So I feel like, you know, that's actually a good thing in this regard."
As the diocese begins the process of hiring a permanent principal and filling the vacant teaching positions, the community is hopeful that Mr. Peloquin's leadership will provide the consistency needed to navigate the coming months.