CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Approximately 10 teachers at Bishop Flaget Catholic School in Chillicothe have been issued termination notices, informed they will not be asked to return for the next academic year, according to sources close to the school. The notices follow the recent departure of Principal Laura Corcoran, who received a similar notification, showing concerns among parents and the community about a lack of transparency from school leadership and the Diocese of Columbus.
The school, located in Ross County, has not publicly addressed the reasons behind the terminations. Father Christopher Tuttle, who oversees Bishop Flaget, did not respond to requests for comment. Similarly, the Diocese of Columbus declined to provide a statement, consistent with its earlier response to inquiries about Corcoran’s departure, when it stated, “The Diocese of Columbus will not comment on any human resources details out of respect for our employees.”
The wave of terminations has caused frustration among parents, who feel left in the dark about the decision-making process. Families have scheduled a community meeting to address these concerns at the school’s gymnasium on Monday, May 19, at 5:30 p.m.
The ongoing silence has raised broader questions about transparency within Catholic institutions. The Late-Pope Francis had cautioned against insular practices, stating, “That expression – ‘We have always done it that way’ – is poison for the life of the Church,” urging openness. Similarly, the Gospel of Matthew (10:26-33) emphasizes, “Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known,” aligning with Catholic teachings on the inevitability of truth. Pope St. Gregory the Great also noted, “It is better that scandals arise than the truth be suppressed,” prioritizing transparency over institutional secrecy.
Adding to the complexity, Bishop Flaget, as a private Catholic institution, is not subject to Ohio’s public records laws. The Ohio Revised Code defines “public record” as pertaining to public offices or certain educational services, a category that excludes Catholic schools. This legal exemption has further frustrated parents seeking insight into the terminations and the school’s operations.