We, the parents of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School, seek to preserve the high level of academic standards and the existing environment that makes the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School a unique and special place for our children.   We respectfully believe it is in the best interest of our school and parish community that the following actions be considered in order to maintain the highest standards at our Blue Ribbon School of Excellence:

●  Establish a periodic review protocol for insuring that SAIS/SACS (Southern Association of Independent Schools/Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) Standards and Indicators related to the governance of IHM School are strictly adhered to so as not to jeopardize the dual accreditation of the school (See Standard 2- Indicators 2.8-2.11.), specifically including, but not limited to, “assur[ing] that the governance structure does not interfere with the day-to-day operations of the school.”  (See Standard 2- Indicator 2.10.). 

●  Provide the faculty, staff, and administration of IHM School a procedure to confidentially express any concerns related to personnel matters involving supervisors and the work environment at IHM.   

●  Require that the Search Committee’s final decision on a replacement for school principal Tricia DeWitt be  unanimous.

●  Require elections, not appointment, for members of the School Advisory Council, Pastoral Council, and Finance Council.

●  Request that Fr. Schillinger begin taking an active role in providing spiritual guidance and enrichment for the children of IHM School in an effort to strengthen our parish school community.  In doing so, we respectfully request that he assume a regular presence at the school by visiting and speaking to K-8 classes on a frequent basis, attending and participating in school assemblies and other school related activities, and attending family events.  These activities and events include weekly All School masses, the annual 8th grade Mass and Education Banquet, mass at school retreats, Open House nights, school events such as Pizza DJ Night, and special programs such as No Place for Hate.  In addition, we request that he reinstate reconciliation for IHM students and include the 2nd grade teachers in the parish sacrament preparation program.

●  Request that Fr. Schillinger hold a parent meeting to address issues at the school, repair our IHM parish and school community, and discuss future plans to preserve our award-winning standards.

Sincerely,