It was last year that passion was at a high level concerning the future of Schlarman Academy. First, following the dismissal of some personnel, there was an Ash Wednesday morning student walkout at the North Campus. Shortly afterwards, there was a “Save Schlarman Rally” that took place at the Fischer Theatre.
Now, in a Wednesday (March 20th) letter forwarded to Neuhoff Media that was addressed to “parents, guardians, and the Schlarman community,” Principal Barb Rew has announced that she has turned in a letter of resignation to the Peoria Diocese.
Rew also stated that she plans to stay on as principal through the end of the school year during the search for her replacement, as well as serve as a classroom teacher at the South Campus for pre-school through 6th graders due to current teacher openings.
Last year’s ASH Wednesday student walkout at the Schlarman Academy North Campus was followed the next week by a “Save Schlarman Rally” at the Fischer Theatre. That rally brought criticism of Principal Barb Rew; but also brought criticism of North Campus teachers, with claims that they were pulling students into their battles with school administration, and inappropriately talking about it during class time.
Neuhoff Media has attempted a variety of phone calls for comment.
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED TO NEUHOFF MEDIA BY DANVILLE CITY COUNCIL ALDERMAN EVE LUDWIG
This has been a tough year for many Catholic and former Schlarman Academy families who have felt abandoned by or left Schlarman based upon decisions made by the Diocese, and its failure to listen to our concerns.
My hope is that Schlarman Academy will rebound from the disorder and loss, and thrive as an authentically Catholic educational institution that is needed here in Danville.