Collective Letter of Concern Regarding Leadership Transparency, Staffing Practices, and Student Programming at JE Cosgriff Memorial Catholic School

We are writing as a collective group of families from the JE Cosgriff Memorial Catholic School community to express concerns regarding transparency, communication, staffing stability, and the overall student experience. We do so as committed partners in the school's mission, with the goal of fostering constructive dialogue and meaningful improvement.

Families make significant financial and time contributions to JE Cosgriff with the understanding that these contributions will support strong academics, enrichment opportunities, support staff including counselors, and a stable learning environment. We have received verbal reassurances that these are being met, but have not seen actionable follow-through, resulting in distrust of current leadership.

As these contributors, we ask that the Diocese and School Leadership hold an in-person town hall where they will address the following:

1. Provide a “State of the School” report with financial transparency and sustainability plans
2. Establish consistent and timely communication protocols
3. Review staffing practices and communicate replacement plans
4. Restore and strengthen enrichment and student support programs
5. Share a plan to rebuild community trust

We remain committed partners in the mission of JE Cosgriff Memorial Catholic School and believe that, with increased transparency and collaboration, the school can move forward as a strong, faith-centered community.

Respectfully,

Concerned Families of JE Cosgriff Memorial Catholic School

Key Community Grievances

1. Financial Transparency and Stewardship

• Limited visibility into how tuition and fundraising dollars are allocated to directly benefit students
• Unclear financial planning following the elimination of middle school grades and loss of associated revenue
• Perception that reductions in staffing and programming are negatively impacting students
• Concern over the loss of fundraising leadership and its impact on student programming

2. Transparency & Communication Practices

• Inconsistent or delayed communication regarding staff departures and major decisions; Families often learning of changes through informal channels rather than official communication
• Lack of acknowledgment of departing staff, resulting in confusion and decreased faculty morale
• No clarity on replacement plans for key roles
• Failure to respond to email and other inquiries from the parent community and dissolutions of pathways for communication and transparency

3. Staffing Stability and Employment Practices across Key School Enhancements

• Reports of sudden terminations or changes to compensation resulting in decreased staffing and reduced faculty morale
• Loss of key staff in student services, enrichment programs, and leadership roles (see addendum 1)
• Reduced access to counseling and intervention services, including loss of designated school counselor and director of student services
• Loss of Director of Development (terminated) and Assistant Principal (vacated) with no announced succession plan
• Decline or elimination of enrichment programs previously highlighted during enrollment, including Violin, Computer, MindUp, Playworks

4. Community Trust and Morale

• Cumulative impact of major staffing and program changes without adequate explanation
• Declining confidence in leadership (see addendum 2)
• Erosion of school community culture

Addendum 1: K-5 Student Services Faculty & Staff lost

1. Kassi Mancini, Development Director - terminated, no plans to replace her position
2. Raquel Austin, MindUp Director - previous contract not renewed, offered 25% of her previous pay, will not be returning, no plans to replace her position or her program
3. Tom Harris, Violin teacher - retired, no plans to replace his position or his program
4. Mitch Von PuttKammer, PlayWorks Program Director and Behavior and Academic Interventionist - leaving to pursue teaching credentials, no plans to replace his position or his program
5. Emily Harbison, Vice Principal - accepted new position as principal of St. Andrew’s, no plans to replace her position. Current faculty were offered an “admin on duty” position that would take on many of Mrs. Harbison’s previous responsibilities while also staffing their own individual classrooms for a stipend of $4,000.00 for the year.
6. Jessica Mertlich, School Counselor - accepted counselor position at Lourdes, no plans to replace her position
7. Dr. Kristen Fuoco, Co-Director of Student Services including Occupational Therapy Coordination and Social and Emotional Supports and Therapy - accepted a full-time position at the Choir School, no plans to replace her position
8. Gerry Garcia, Computer Program Teacher - contract not renewed, no plans to replace his position, classroom teachers will be expected to teach this course, eliminating a weekly prep period for them and as of now, they are not trained on the material
9. Randi Green - Toddler Head Teacher - decided to leave due to changes at the school after years of service,
10. Delise Peo and Erin Tracy - 5th Grade Teachers - both left for personal reasons. Sam Scott was moved up to 5th grade from 4th grade and new 4th and 5th grade teachers have been hired.

Addendum 2: Reassurances Made to the Parent Community That Have Not Been Fulfilled

The following are direct communications from school leadership alongside outcomes that contradict them.

Student Support and Financial Reassurances from Mary Thorne

July 1, 2025 Principal Newsletter: Primary Student Services Team members highlighted as "continuing to meet the needs of all learners" — 50% no longer at Cosgriff with no communication regarding replacement

• Tricia Cook, Co-Director of Student Services and responsible for academic intervention planning, special education evaluations, and speech therapy coordination
• No Longer at Cosgriff: Dr. Kristin Fuoco, Co-Director of Student Services and responsible for behavior supports, occupational therapy, and social/emotional support and therapy
• Dr. Robert Kraemer, Speech Language Pathologist
• No Longer at Cosgriff: Jessica Mertlich, School Counselor

Additional Student Services Team members highlighted in this newsletter now includes at least a 33% reduction in staffing for Academic Intervention, Power Hour support, Directed Studies Instruction, and Behavior Intervention.

9/7/25 Annual Appeal letter: Highlights "Enhancements: Supporting fine arts, technology, and enrichment opportunities" as a benefit of fundraising efforts. Future iterations of the Annual Appeal letter remove this line item despite noting ongoing fundraising success towards the goal ($40,000 of $70,000 goal reached by 12/15/25; have not received further information on annual appeal total).

9/14/25 Bad in Plaid Fundraiser announcement: "Together we raised close to $60,000 for our students, teachers, and programs, all while celebrating the joy of our community." Unclear where this money was spent as teachers and programs have declined.

Quotes from Mary Thorne to reassure the parent community:

Jan. 25 Principal Newsletter: "As we look ahead, Cosgriff enters a new chapter with the diocesan grade realignment, transitioning our school to a Toddler through 5th grade program. While change can bring both reflection and adjustment, what remains constant is the heart of our school: a strong and supportive community, dedicated faculty and staff, and a mission rooted in faith, academic excellence, and the formation of the whole child."

Feb. 2 Principal Newsletter: "Our goal is to provide clarity, partnership, and continued community as students move into their next chapter…This transition allows us to focus our energy and resources on strengthening these foundational years while continuing to walk alongside our families in meaningful ways."

Feb. 6, 2026 Mid-Year Report: "I want to reassure our community that Cosgriff's leadership remains strong, steady, and focused. Our commitment is to provide consistency, and thoughtful planning as we continue building a vibrant future for our school. We are especially energized about the opportunities before us in our Early Childhood through 5th grade classrooms. These foundational years are the heart of Catholic education, and we look forward to refining an already strong curriculum to ensure academic excellence, faith formation, and meaningful student growth. By strengthening what we do best and continuing to collaborate with our teachers and families, we are positioning Cosgriff for continued success."

Feb. 6, 2026 Mid-Year Financial Report: "We are in a solid and sustainable financial position, with revenues and expenses well aligned. This stability allows us to look ahead with confidence as we prepare for the upcoming tuition adjustments next year. Overall, we are in a good place financially and well positioned to continue supporting our students, families, and mission."

March 22, 2026 Newsletter: (in response to vocal distrust following the abrupt dissolution of the parent board) "My sincere hope is that we can continue moving forward together with a spirit of trust, healing, and compassion, remembering that we are all part of the same Cosgriff family."

April 26, 2026 Principal Newsletter: (in regards to the City Weekly article) "It is important to note that this article is not accurate. Cosgriff has strong enrollment and is financially sound."