Villa Madonna Academy president steps down; principals will keep their jobs

VILLA HILLS, Ky. - The leader of a small Villa Hills school resigned Friday amid controversy.

9 On Your Side has learned Villa Madonna Academy President and CEO Anne Maxfield told the school's board of directors she would resign effective immediately.

It was also announced that elementary school principal Soshona Bosley and high school principal Pamela McQueen will return to the school for the 2013-2014 school year.

The announcements come after a tough few weeks for students and parents at the small school.

Earlier this month, it was announced the two principal positions were being eliminated as part of a school restructuring. Maxfield told parents the two principals would be replaced by an chief academic officer.

The announcement was just the latest change at the school. In January, the grades K-6 recruiter and grades 7-12 recruiter positions were eliminated and merged into one position. In July, the K-6 athletic director and 7-12 athletic director positions were eliminated and merged into one position.

Hundreds of students, parents and alumni protested the latest move on Facebook, creating the pages "Save Mrs. Bosley" and "Save Mrs. McQueen." Many also appeared at the Villa Hills campus last week for a prayer rally in support of Bosley and McQueen.

In Friday's letter to Villa Madonna Academy parents, the board of directors stated that they have “created an Ad Hoc Committee charged with recommending an organizational structure for the school."

Just last week, Maxfield told the board she would be leaving the school when her contract expired June 30. It's unclear why she decided to resign before her contract expired. In the letter to parents, the school board says, "To be clear, this was Ms. Maxfield's decision."

Neither Maxfield nor a representative from the school were available for comment Friday evening.

A copy of the letter can be seen below:

February 22, 2013

Dear Parents,

At the Board of Directors meeting last week, Anne Maxfield communicated to the Board her intent not to return to Villa Madonna Academy after her contract expires June 30, 2013. Ms. Maxfield more recently decided that it would be best to step down from her position prior to June 30; her last day is today, February 22. To be clear, this was Ms. Maxfield's decision. The Board is grateful for the progress made under her leadership. She wishes everyone well and is grateful for the time she was connected with Villa Madonna Academy. At its recent meeting, the Board created an Ad Hoc Committee charged with recommending an organizational structure for the school.

Representatives of the board have met with Mrs. Soshana Bosley and Mrs. Pamela McQueen and are pleased to announce that both will be returning to Villa as K-6 and 7-12 principals respectively for the 2013-2014 school year.

There has been much communication and we want to thank everyone for their commitment to Villa Madonna Academy. We will continue to consider all responses and input received as we move Villa Madonna toward a bright future. For now, we have decided to delay the parent forum. After a few weeks have passed, we will talk with the principals to gauge parent interest in a forum.

We ask that you demonstrate your love and support for Villa Madonna Academy in the coming days and weeks. For those of you who have been considering other schools for your children, we ask that you reconsider. There is much work to be done and challenges ahead, but know that the board is firmly committed to the tradition of academic excellence and reverence for Benedictine values. In your continued support of Villa Madonna Academy, please join us at VillaRama this Saturday as we celebrate our community.

Thank you for your prayers, interest and support of the academy.
Best regards, Mary Paula Schuh Josh Ruth Sr. Mary Catherine Wenstrup, OSB Chair Vice Chair Prioress, St. Walburg Monastery.

Best regards,

Mary Paula Schuh              Josh Ruth             Sr. Mary Catherine Wenstrup, OSB
Chair                                   Vice Chair            Prioress, St. Walburg Monastery

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