Charlotte Catholic High School principal resigns amid growing tension with parents

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte Catholic High School Principal Lori Phillips has submitted her resignation, effective Friday, February 14th. The superintendent of Charlotte Catholic schools shared a statement from Phillips, who wrote in part, “…for the sake of the school, I believe it is best for me to step down…so that everyone can refocus on what matters most – our students.”

Phillips joined the school in 2023 as vice principal and became principal at the start of this school year. Last week, at a parent meeting, she responded to one man who said the school has a culture problem by saying, “I agree with you. There is a culture problem. There’s a culture problem right here,” as she motioned to the parents in the room.

Nearly 2,000 parents have signed a petition, demanding more transparency and accountability. One issue is the school’s decision to change its accrediting agency and telling parents after the fact. Parents are worried the new accrediting agency isn’t as academically rigorous. The superintendent, Dr. Gregory Monroe, says it is. Another issue is the mid-year resignation of several staff and the impact that has on students. The superintendent says three staff resigned and it’s normal for a school this size.

This past Sunday, Father John Allen told his congregation at St. Matthew, “Please be assured that week in and week out, I have raised my own voice with yours and have consistently and persistently made requests to the Catholic schools’ office that all our parents and teachers be heard and respectfully listened to. ”

Father Allen, like many parents, is calling for Charlotte Catholic High School to have dual accreditation as a compromise. He is also calling for the immediate creation of a school board made up of parents, teachers and clergy. Charlotte Catholic High School will have an interim principal and says its immediately launching a nationwide search for a permanent replacement.