Day 38 -What does Preserving the Vision Really Mean?

Day 38 (since hearing James Flanagan's contract as Principal of Saint Saviour Elementary has not been renewed)

Picketers of all ages lined both sides of the sidewalk in front of Saint Saviour Church on 8th avenue, from 6th to 7th street. Cries of “Save our School, Save our Principal” can be heard emanating from children of all ages, holding signs, banging on drum and tiny trombones, shaking maracas and bell, as they moved along picket lines.

Parents, supporters, and alumni of Saint Saviour Elementary School banded together in support of their beloved principal and school. Saint Saviour Preservation Society and supporters who organized the protest are extremely pleased with the results and large turnout. Event organizers had some encouraging words to say to picketers and have vowed to continue the fight through the summer, or ”Until Justice Prevails!”

The peaceful protest concluded with the singing of the song titled “We Shall Overcome.”

Picketers are demanding that Father Murphy, Pastor of Saint Saviour Church, reverse his decision and offer a contract extension to James Flanagan, whose contract is set to expire in August 2009. Father Murphy has repeatedly stated that the “situation” regarding James Flanagan is a personal matter and that parents of students at Saint Saviour Elementary “are not due” any explanations or reasons other than the “Preserving the Vision” as his “sole” reason in not renewing James Flanagan as Principal of Saint Saviour.

On June 17, 2009, Principal Flanagan released his first public thoughts on the matter and at the center of the controversy is the tuition, specifically an increase in tuition. Father Murphy has in the past suggested that tuition be increased for each student and a “per capita” be charged for each student. Principal James Flanagan has been able to offset the cost, by holding various fundraising activities during the school year offsetting the cost variances each year. “Principal Flanagan is very aware of the needs of the community and the economic atmosphere, he ensures that all parents that desire to have their child go to an institution that promotes our faiths and beliefs can do so accordingly and be affordable!” one parents tell me. “He puts the parents first in every financial decision” writes parent Laura Campbell-Lui (link: http://stsaviours.wordpress.com/ourletters/#comments).

The question remains for Father Murphy and The Brooklyn Diocese is: ” Who exactly are the main recipients of your “Preserving the Vision” ideology? The BROOKLYN DIOCESE’S COLLECTION BIN ? or our children’s education.

Craigslist Entry for Day 36

Attached is certainly one of the most interesting comments I have seen online and would like to share it with you.

I found this on Craigslist today, June 16th, 2009 (link: http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/vnn/1223792834.html)

I have attached the comments below for all readers due to craigslists purge criteria of a 7 day posting period.

DAY 36 (since hearing James Flanagan's contract as Principal of Saint Saviour has not been renewed),
Picketers lined the street today in hopes that Father Murphy will rescind his statement and offer James Flanagan a contract extension for the 2009 -2010 school year.
Picketers were out in force with many onlookers asking "Why is Father Murphy removing James Flanagan?" Many parishioners and community members are still finding out daily over the situation at Saint Saviour Elementary. "He has done a wonderful job, hasn't he??", many are asking as they walk away. James Flanagan has a career sparkled with many achievements that Father Murphy himself, has admitted to. To this onlooker, he has to ask "why now force the change?" Many have suggested this may be the act of the Bishop himself with his "Preserving the Vision" as his cry to change.
One wonders what this change means to such a successful Catholic school in Brooklyn, NY. 32 Catholic Schools have CLOSED their doors in the last 7 YEARS, 14 ADDITONAL schools have been proposed by The Diocesse of Brooklyn to close through the reorganization plan developed by The Diocese of Brooklyn in January 2009 (link: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/13/nyregion/13close.html?_r=1). St Saviour not only remains during these difficult times, but also continues to flourish and prosper.
An independent group of supporters and parents known as the "St. Saviour Preservation Society" hopes to increase the public's awareness by publishing and updating a website promoting their cause(link: http://stsaviours.wordpress.com/).
This website is full of facts, letters, comments, and pictures created by St. Saviour Preservation Society, highlighting their plight and documenting their history.
What is of unique interest are the wonderful letters, written by parents, supporters, alumni and children of Saint Saviour.
Many letters state that the loving and caring environment is synonymous with how Mr. James Flanagan executes his daily duties.
One thing that is clearly prominent in all of the letters posted is Mr. Flanagan's commitement and dedication to students and parents; his unwavering dedication to students on daily, weekly, monthly and yearly case.
As one 7th grader writes, "My point is here that Mr. Flanagan knows each of us by name and if we have a medical problem, he’s aware of it. He really loves us and only wants the best for us....Today, we have Mr. Flanagan to thank for, helping us get through that ordeal. Father Murphy, there are so many more examples. All I can tell you is that my sister and I finally found in St. Saviour a home away from home. A home where we feel safe and secured. A home where there is love and compassion. St. Saviour is just not a school it’s our family, so please don’t take away the head of this family — we don’t want it to fall apart. Please re-consider your decision — please, please for the children of this family (St. Saviour)." (link:http://stsaviours.wordpress.com/comments/#comments)
This statement clearly and succintly tells me that this would be the ideal environement and atmosphere children need to prosper and grow. Why indeed would Father Murphy or Bishop DiMarzio want to change it? or remove the one man most responsible for it?
Maybe Father Murphy isn't in touch. He clearly is not taking emails...............

NIGHT RALLY FOR SAINT SAVIOUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

Where: 611 8th Avenue
When: Wednesday, June 17, 2009, 6:30PM - 8:00PM

Why:
Father Murphy, Pastor of Saint Saviour Church in Brooklyn, NY, is not renewing JAMES FLANGAN'S contract as Principal of Saint Saviour Elementary School.

Father Murphy has also stated to parishioners and parents that HE WILL NOT DISCUSS OR ENTERTAIN DISCUSSIONS PERTAINING TO James Flanagan with the Parents of children of Saint Saviour Elementary School.

Father Murphy has also stated that if parents do not like his stance, they can take their child and leave. (Clarification to last line: "What was said was to give the new principal a year before making any rash decsions." Father Murphy Letter, June 8th, last bullet point.)

James Flanagan has guided Saint Saviour Elementary School for 26 years as its Principal.

James Flanagan and his dedicated staff of teachers and administrators have not only:

• RAISED THE LEVEL OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS AT SAINT SAVIOUR,
• INCREASED ENROLLMENT AT SAINT SAVIOUR,
• MAINTAINED MINIMAL TUITION INCREASES AT SAINT SAVIOUR,

But has shown without a doubt that PRINCIPAL FLANAGAN IS VERY CAPABLE OF LEADING THIS INSTITUITION INTO THE FUTURE.

While other Catholic Schools CLOSE OR MERGE, Saint Saviour Elementary School of PARK SLOPE CONTINUES TO GROW AND THRIVE.

32 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS have CLOSED their doors in the last 7 YEARS, 14 ADDITONAL schools have been proposed by THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN to close through the reorganization plan developed by THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN in January 2009. St Saviour not only remains during these difficult times, but also continues to FLOURISH AND PROSPER.

STAND UP AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR MR. FLANAGAN, SAINT SAVIOUR AND MOST IMPORTANTLY OUR CHILDREN.

Where: 611 8th Avenue

When: Wednesday, June 17, 2009, 6:30PM - 8:00PM

TRAVEL DIRECTIONS:

Train Directions:
F - Train: Coney Island bound F train to 7th Avenue. Walk towards 6th Street on 8th Avenue.

Bus Directions:

B67 - Get off at Methodist Hospital, walk towards 8th Ave and 6th Street. St Saviour Church on opposite side of street.
B69 - Get off at 8th Avenue. Walk towards 6th Street. Saint Saviour Church on right hand side.

Tablet Article - "Parents Disagree with Pastor On School Principal’s Future"

Kudos to Ms. Marie Elena Giossi on writing a great article.

Link: http://www.thetablet.org/06132009/stories26.html

Please read this great article and post any comments to:

http://stsaviours.wordpress.com/2009/06/12/parents-disagree-with-pastor-on-school-principal%E2%80%99s-future/

Keep the momentum Growing!!! We are making a difference!!!

Parents Letter to Father Murphy asking for a reversal

Attached is the letter parents are asked to submit to Saint Saviour's Rectory if they wish to have Father Murphy reverse his decision and offer a contract renewal to James Flanagan as Principal of Saint Saviour Elementary School.


Supporters who wish to Support the cause can:
1. Print the image
2. Sign your name
3. Address it to:

Saint Saviour Church
611 Eighth Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215

4. Affix stamp and Mail.

Momentum

Page counters are not reflecting the numbers or hits we should be hitting at this stage.

Readers of this post should check every few days for posts.

Until then, I will be using Craigslist to gain additional support and readers for our cause.

Please look for St. Saviour under New York, General category or New York in the Events category.

Until then, Pray for the Parishioners of Saint Saviour, Father Murphy, Principal James Flanagan, Bishop DiMarzio, parents of Saint Saviour Elementary and most of all the blessed children of Saint Saviour.

Letter From Father Murphy, of Saint Saviour

This letter was dropped into each child's folder at dismissal today, June 8, 2009.

Please read for yourself and decide. Who really is Father Murphy?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Parents,

These past several weeks have been ones of tension and anxiety for some of you. Perhaps some clarification on certain issues would be helpful.

On April 3, 2009, I informed Mr. Flanagan that I was not renewing his contract for the 2009 – 2010 academic year as principal of Saint Saviour Elementary School. Mr. Flanagan knows that my decision is final. As his employer my decision not to renew Mr. Flanagan’s contract came after a lengthy period of prayer and consultation. In the monts prior to April 3rd, I discussed my reasons for this non-renewal with several experts experts in Catholic Education. Each of them supported my reasons and decisions.

Although I have received much approval from parents for my decision, there is a group of parents that have been circulating information that contains completely inaccurate and untrue accusations, which include the following:

• that I intend to close the school and sell the building. This is a lie; there is absolutely no truth at all in the statement.
• that I don’t like children. That is just not true. Throughout my 39 years of priesthood I have always enjoyed a special bond with children of all ages.
• that I refused to go to Methodist Hospital to baptize babies that are dying. That is not only a lie but also a calumny, a serious sin against the 8th Commandment.
• that I “shame the priesthood”. In a written statement to Bishop DiMarzio such a claims was maid, however no evidence was given foer that cruel accusation.
• that “I said if you don’t like it take your children and go”. What was said was give the new principal a year before making any rash decisions.

A disrespectful and distracting tactic occurred on Pentecost Sunday, May 31st when students from our elementary school were directed by parents to hold picket signs in my direction. As I greeted parishioners exiting Mass. I do not believe I need to elaborate on the unfathomable involvement of children in this situation and on this occasion. Furthermore, I have received telephone calls and written correspondences containing profanity and vulgarities. One phone call (from a male parent) used such language to our evening receptionist, a young (female) college student.

It is understandable that this decision may have raised concerns from some parents. My intention for writing to you is to clarify the fallacies expressed within such a discourteous crusade by some of these parents.


Sincerely,


Fr. Murphy, Pastor

Wanted to Share this Great Piece

http://mcbrooklyn.blogspot.com/2009/06/trouble-at-st-saviour.html

Who is Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan?

Who is Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan? Is he the friendly jovial person that we are led to believe by his public relations department? He mentions that he is a Fan of New York, but is he?

Albeit, this is not a blog to discuss Archbishop Dolan, it is to discuss the few whom he directs or guides. This blog will hope to enlighten others about Father Daniel S. Murphy of Saint Saviour in Park Slope, Brooklyn New York.

This blog hopes for you, our reader to find through your own research and reflection to ask: “Who is Father Murphy?”

• Who is Father Murphy?
• What does he represent?
• What is his vision for the future of Saint Saviour Elementary School?
• Does he have Saint Saviour Elementary Students and Families in mind?
• Does he have his own Vision or is it Bishp DiMarzio’s as he now offers to parents and press?

As a Parishioner of Saint Saviour for the last two years, I found Father Murphy to be friendly, simple, straightforward and genuine. As I sit and discuss Father Murphy with parishioners and parents of Saint Saviour I’ve come to realize Father Murphy is not person he portrays.


Now this may seem harsh and words of disgruntled/scorned individual, I am not. I am a passionate parent whom wants the best education for their child and his classmates.


I ask that you do your own research, ask parents and friends of Saint Saviour Elementary what is happening.


Please use the following websites as reference:

* http://onlytheblogknowsbrooklyn.typepad.com/
* http://stsaviours.wordpress.com/


I ask parishioners whom know Father Murphy only through Mass at Saint Saviour to open their minds and hearts to those in Saint Saviour elementary.



For the Parents and supporter of Principal Flanagan, this is not just a fight for Principal Flanagan, but a fight to give our children the best education they can possibly receive.

Long Hiatus

Sorry for the long Hiatus.
Many things have happened this week.
Days are slowly counting down.
Friends of St. Saviour have certainly supported the cause.

Parents of all St. Saviour Students (past and present) need to stand up and be counted.

This is a pivotal week, parents and friends, This is THE RIGHT CAUSE!

Letter to Superintendent of Schools from Concerned Parents

Here is the letter submitted to Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn from concerned parents at Saint Saviour's Elementary School, who are unhappy about the decision not to renew the contract of their longtime and highly respected Principal James Flanagan.

Also attached is his response.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, Ed. D.,
Superintendent of Schools


Dear Dr. Chadzutko:

I am a parent of a Student in Saint Saviour Elementary School. I learned on Monday, May 11th, that Father Murphy is not renewing the contract of our principal, Mr. Flanagan. I have also learned that Father Murphy will not discuss the matter further with the community. As a parent and member of this community I find this situation very odd and questionable.

Not being originally a member of this church, we found St. Saviour when we enrolled my child into St. Saviour elementary and have called it home ever since. I am now forced to question my commitment and the commitment of your board that sanctions this type of behavior. Father Murphy has always stated during his sermons commitment, love and openness. Unfortunately I don’t presently see those qualities exhibited here.

Mr. Flanagan has always and will always be a Pillar and Champion of this school. He is Champion who has committed 25+ years of his life to the well being of St Saviour Elementary, it’s students and the community it fosters. St Saviour is a successful, well run attended school and is better for it through Mr. Flanagan’s leadership and dedication.

Mr. Chadzutko, please intercede for our school and mostly our students and have Mr. Flanagan reinstated as our principal! We appreciate you looking into this matter. Our children deserve the best and to replace Mr. Flanagan would be a detriment to our children and school. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Respectfully,



---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Response from Dr. Chadzutko dated May 27, 2009


I wish to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated May 18, 2009 in which you share you concerns regarding Mr. James Flanagan, principal of St. Saviour School

The office of the Superintendent ~ Catholic Schools Support Services has provided guidance to Mr. Flanagan regarding the policies and procedures that he must follow.

Please know that the Office of the Superintendent ~ Catholic School Support Services can only provide guidance to Mr. Flanagan, as the office is not the employer. In this light, we have shared you concerns with Fr. Murphy, pastor of St. Saviour R.C. Church.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns.

Sincerely,


Thomas Chadzutko, Ed. D.
Superintendent.

Save Our School - Save Principal Flanagan

As seen in the Only the Blog Knows Brooklyn -
http://onlytheblogknowsbrooklyn.typepad.com/

Thanks to our Friends at Blogs Knows Brooklyn for the link.

Peaceful Protests at Saint Saviour's Elementary School In Support of Principal

The longtime and well-respected principal of Park Slope's Saint Saviour's Elementary School may not have his contract renewed and the parents are furious.

I am not sure if this is necessarily something that you would blog about but I was wondering if you were aware of what was presently happening at Saint Saviour's Elementary School on 8th Avenue between 7th and 8th Street in Park Slope.

While numerous other schools have been closed or are being closed in the Diocese of Brooklyn, Saint Saviour's has thrived and grown and now has over 400 students. It is also an amazingly ethnically diverse school with approximately half of the students coming from out of Parish. The reason so many parents are willing to travel to and send their children to Saint Saviour's is because of the great education and religious teaching our children receive.

While the success of the school can be attributed to many factors, including incredible teachers and dedicated parents, the one constant has been our principal, James Flanagan, who has served as principal at St. Saviour's for the past 26 years.

Recently, we learned that our pastor, Father Daniel Murphy, has decided not to renew Mr. Flanagan's contract. Fr. Murphy has yet to formally advise the parents of the school of his decision and when asked for his reason for his decision, he has refused to discuss it. He was, however, quoted on Channel 12 news on May 20, 2009 of saying that the parents have no say in what happens at the school and that if the parents do not like the new principal they can just take their kids and go.

Obviously these comments are very troubling and unfortunately serve as an example of Fr. Murphy's tenure at St. Saviours. Fr. Murphy's decision is even more troubling given the fact that he has admittedly not stepped foot in the School for over two years and earlier this year, when asked directly by a parent why he doesn't visit the school, advised that he doesn't go to the school because it "drains" him.

Many of the parents have joined together and have sent numerous letters to both Bishop DiMarzio, the head of the Diocese, and Bishop Caggiano, the Aux. Bishop who is overseeing the schools. We have also reached out to Dr. Thomas Chutzutko, the Superintendent of Schools. Unfortunately, to date we have not received any response or even an acknowledgment from the Bishop's concerning our letters and the only response we have received from Dr. Chutzutko is that he has no power or authority to address any decision made by Father Murphy. Faced with the continued non-responsiveness of the Diocese, the parents have now begun to hold peaceful protests in front of Saint Saviour's rectory between 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM to let the public know what is going on.

The protests are intentionally small, usually less than 10 people, as the parents do not want to offend anyone but have no other way to let their voices be heard. There will also be a candle light vigil outside the rectory this evening. If this is a story of interest for you blog, we would all greatly appreciate any effort on your part to get the word out about our struggle and dispute with the Diocese. We did not choose this battle but feel we must face it head on for the sake of our children.

Note: Although Bishop Caggiano has not yet responded to any of the numerous letters sent by concerned parents, alumni and parishoners, Bishop Caggiano has assured Mr. Flanagan that he will respond individually to each and every letter sent. It is unknown when Bishop Caggiano's responses will be provided.



Stay Posted for any updates.

Please feel free to add comments and or post your letters you may have addressed to Father Murphy, Bishop Caggiano, and Bishop DiMarzio to this blog.

Parishioners and Parents of Saint Saviour must let the community and world know of the injustice and inhumane methods that Father Murphy used in dismissing Principal Flanagan.

Also - Follow us on Twitter at Save_StSaviour