Copyright The Boston Globe
“Over the past two weeks, we conducted a review of St. Peter School and found it to be a vibrant institution with a rich history and outstanding people rooted in the Catholic faith,” the statement said. “However, we recognize that changes must be made for the stability of the school and for the good of the community.” Alcala will join the leadership team at Bishop McVinney School in Providence, and Kevin Peloquin, assistant director of education for the diocese, will remain as St. Peter School interim principal until a permanent successor is appointed. In a statement last week, John Bittner, the diocese’s director of human resources, said Alcala was placed on paid administrative leave after officials received a complaint from a parent “alleging that confidential information of St. Peter School had been posted online.” No further details were released by diocese officials. Alcala was hired as principal in July, according to a post on the school’s Facebook page. “Denise Alcala brings nearly 20 years of experience in Catholic education. She has served in Catholic schools around the world, including Korea, Mexico, and Hawaii, and is fluent in both Spanish and English,” the diocese said in the statement provided to the Globe on Wednesday. “Throughout her career, Denise has demonstrated integrity and a deep commitment to Catholic education and the faith.” “We are grateful for her service and leadership during a difficult time,” the statement added. Alcala’s departure also comes after six teachers resigned from the school on Oct. 7. The diocese has not released specific details about the resignations, but Michael Kieloch, a spokesperson, said earlier this month, “Faculty have a particularly important vocation in Catholic schools to live out the Gospel and Church teaching and put those values into action in their classrooms to form, educate, and inspire students. All diocesan employees are also expected to uphold and follow our policies and procedures.” In its latest statement, the diocese said it is “hiring new, permanent faculty for the stability of the community.” “We have received many qualified applications and will soon be extending offers to new teachers to teach at St. Peter,” the diocese said. “The teachers who resigned served St. Peter School faithfully and we wish them well in their future.” The diocese thanked families “for their patience as we navigated this challenging time.” “We heard your concerns and have responded with a strong plan for the stable, future growth of the school community under new school leadership. It is our hope families continue their commitment to this great school,” the diocese said. St. Peter School opened in 1959 in Warwick’s Gaspee Plateau neighborhood and is affiliated with The Parish of St. Peter. The school serves students in pre-school through Grade 8. Tuition is $5,000 for elementary and middle school students.
