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.