DCUM Forum

Anonymous

04/23/2012 21:35 Subject: St. John Academy in McLean

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hear you. I agree with some of what you said. But for blaming Scalia - I think the facts are that this was an Arlington Diocese decision. I really think pay should be adjusted based on area served too. But in the case of SJA - I think that the Diocese came down on the whole deal. I don't think Scalia had much choice. There's a lot of shake up in the whole Catholic School Arlington Diocese enchilada... I think this is a much bigger problem than Saint John - the whole Catholic School pay scale etc. - don't get me started... Improvements are needed. I think this is way bigger than one Priest - I think this Priest did the best he could given the circumstances and constraints of the bigger picture. I would give anything if we could keep Peter - adore the man - but I really, really think that this was made at a different level than Peter's individual case. Everyone has a boss and in most cases a Board of Directors - including Father Scalia... No stoned was unturned by the SJA Parents to keep Peter in place. So - we pretty much know that it's bigger than Father alone. He does listen to the parents and individuals. He does. If you think he doesn't - and you are in parish - just make an appt. and talk to him... I think you will understand what I'm saying...

Can someone please elaborate on this? I am looking at Arlington Diocese Catholic Schools for my DC and I want to be fully aware of the issues...My family lives in Arlington but attend a parish in the District so I'm not "in the know"...
Thanks!

This is really bizarre to me. I'm just coming onto this. Make an appt with Fr. Scalia to discuss a major change to the school and parish? Parish schools are different than public and private. They are funded, in large part by parishoners and parents. Not just the diocese. I always understood that in part because the parish needed to be committed to Catholic education for the children in the parish. It seems presumptive to me that the Pastor would make a decision like this unilaterally and the only way to know about what happened and why is to make an appointment. This is really frustrating. It's a great school. And I have heard nothing in Church teaching that would lead me to believe that all benefits for school administrators and teachers should be equal. If this is the heavy hand of the diocese forcing a parish to make a change like this, I would say the parish has the right to know.[u] They may not be able to effect it, but at least a right to know. Seems more here. It's sad to hear. Frustrating.

Just read the two posts after the one you quoted above. That should explain it. The Parishioners know - it's not a "heavy hand forcing" it's an "administration administering" - and it's not all "equal" - there are pay scales for admin and staff based on an approved budget. Nothing more nefarious than that. And why is it sad and frustrating and bizarre? It's just the way it works.

Anonymous

04/23/2012 16:02 Subject: St. John Academy in McLean

Anonymous wrote:I hear you. I agree with some of what you said. But for blaming Scalia - I think the facts are that this was an Arlington Diocese decision. I really think pay should be adjusted based on area served too. But in the case of SJA - I think that the Diocese came down on the whole deal. I don't think Scalia had much choice. There's a lot of shake up in the whole Catholic School Arlington Diocese enchilada... I think this is a much bigger problem than Saint John - the whole Catholic School pay scale etc. - don't get me started... Improvements are needed. I think this is way bigger than one Priest - I think this Priest did the best he could given the circumstances and constraints of the bigger picture. I would give anything if we could keep Peter - adore the man - but I really, really think that this was made at a different level than Peter's individual case. Everyone has a boss and in most cases a Board of Directors - including Father Scalia... No stoned was unturned by the SJA Parents to keep Peter in place. So - we pretty much know that it's bigger than Father alone. He does listen to the parents and individuals. He does. If you think he doesn't - and you are in parish - just make an appt. and talk to him... I think you will understand what I'm saying...

Can someone please elaborate on this? I am looking at Arlington Diocese Catholic Schools for my DC and I want to be fully aware of the issues...My family lives in Arlington but attend a parish in the District so I'm not "in the know"...
Thanks!

This is really bizarre to me. I'm just coming onto this. Make an appt with Fr. Scalia to discuss a major change to the school and parish? Parish schools are different than public and private. They are funded, in large part by parishoners and parents. Not just the diocese. I always understood that in part because the parish needed to be committed to Catholic education for the children in the parish. It seems presumptive to me that the Pastor would make a decision like this unilaterally and the only way to know about what happened and why is to make an appointment. This is really frustrating. It's a great school. And I have heard nothing in Church teaching that would lead me to believe that all benefits for school administrators and teachers should be equal. If this is the heavy hand of the diocese forcing a parish to make a change like this, I would say the parish has the right to know. They may not be able to effect it, but at least a right to know. Seems more here. It's sad to hear. Frustrating.

Anonymous

04/21/2012 18:30 Subject: Re:St. John Academy in McLean

Yes - in the public schools - there are teachers unions etc. who negotiate pay and there are set "government" pay scales - under the individual counties etc. Like Fairfax County
A diocese is a district or under the supervision of a bishop. It is divided into parishes. So the pay scales for Catholic teachers are set by the diocese - kind of like a Catholic "County"
The "private Catholic schools" (Like Georgetown Prep etc.) are - private - meaning - the diocese administration can't really mess with them - they can do what they want - as long as they teach Catholic Doctrine... and stay in line with that. Just like any private business... not "government"
Just like any private school (like The Potomac School or whatever) can pay whatever they want to their teachers and admin - they are not limited by what the public school pay grades are...
So you see how all the passionate arguments are kind of based on emotion and not facts... No big deal - understandable... but let's not trash talk stuff w/o considering the facts. Just have to take the emotion out of it no matter how hard it is - and it's hard to lose somebody everyone loves and who's family everyone cares about. It's devastating but kind of out of our hands really. And there's no "bad priest" problem - it's like blaming a city mayor for federal budget cuts...

Anonymous

04/21/2012 17:13 Subject: St. John Academy in McLean

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hear you. I agree with some of what you said. But for blaming Scalia - I think the facts are that this was an Arlington Diocese decision. I really think pay should be adjusted based on area served too. But in the case of SJA - I think that the Diocese came down on the whole deal. I don't think Scalia had much choice. There's a lot of shake up in the whole Catholic School Arlington Diocese enchilada... I think this is a much bigger problem than Saint John - the whole Catholic School pay scale etc. - don't get me started... Improvements are needed. I think this is way bigger than one Priest - I think this Priest did the best he could given the circumstances and constraints of the bigger picture. I would give anything if we could keep Peter - adore the man - but I really, really think that this was made at a different level than Peter's individual case. Everyone has a boss and in most cases a Board of Directors - including Father Scalia... No stoned was unturned by the SJA Parents to keep Peter in place. So - we pretty much know that it's bigger than Father alone. He does listen to the parents and individuals. He does. If you think he doesn't - and you are in parish - just make an appt. and talk to him... I think you will understand what I'm saying...

Can someone please elaborate on this? I am looking at Arlington Diocese Catholic Schools for my DC and I want to be fully aware of the issues...My family lives in Arlington but attend a parish in the District so I'm not "in the know"...
Thanks!

Hi - sure - and I meant "no STONE was left unturned in my previous post - not "stoned" - sorry..." - anyway - it's no big deal - I just think that they (Arlington Diocese Education Board) have been looking at the numbers and have set standards for teacher and administrative pay packages - and they decided to make sure that everyone was in line with the levels the Diocese BOD for Education approved. "Shake up" means that they are making adjustments with anyone who doesn't come within the approved pay standards. And my problem with this is that I think that the pay scale for Catholic teachers and administrators is too low - of course - so that's where my argument comes in that it's not just Saint John and Father Scalia. It's a bigger issue. And the public schools are the same way - the people who teach our kids are just not paid well enough and that is a different discussion and a way broader argument. So - don't fret over anything over here - it's the same old story that has been going on for ages. Teacher pay across the board and adjustments. The other "shake up" reference was just that there are a lot of schools other than Saint John who are getting a new Headmaster for one reason or another - St. Luke, St. Tim, and I think there might be one more. So - there are a lot of Headmaster positions to fill...

Arlington is a popular diocese so I'm sure they will find qualified folks. And last thing - the person who posted about the inequity of equality etc. "Obamasomething" about Scalia... well, you know - public school teachers have pay scales and so do Catholic School teachers... Private schools can pay whatever they want to whomever they want with whatever money they can raise... and that's the benefit you get with paying 20+ grand per kid for the good Catholic prep schools... I won't put a smiley face here because they actually post one of the cheezy smiley faces... but I meant that comment kindly. Those are just the facts...

And BTW - I wish Peter would have landed a Prep School job in our area - he would be totally great at running a big Catholic private Prep School...

Anonymous

04/21/2012 17:05 Subject: St. John Academy in McLean

Anonymous wrote:I hear you. I agree with some of what you said. But for blaming Scalia - I think the facts are that this was an Arlington Diocese decision. I really think pay should be adjusted based on area served too. But in the case of SJA - I think that the Diocese came down on the whole deal. I don't think Scalia had much choice. There's a lot of shake up in the whole Catholic School Arlington Diocese enchilada... I think this is a much bigger problem than Saint John - the whole Catholic School pay scale etc. - don't get me started... Improvements are needed. I think this is way bigger than one Priest - I think this Priest did the best he could given the circumstances and constraints of the bigger picture. I would give anything if we could keep Peter - adore the man - but I really, really think that this was made at a different level than Peter's individual case. Everyone has a boss and in most cases a Board of Directors - including Father Scalia... No stoned was unturned by the SJA Parents to keep Peter in place. So - we pretty much know that it's bigger than Father alone. He does listen to the parents and individuals. He does. If you think he doesn't - and you are in parish - just make an appt. and talk to him... I think you will understand what I'm saying...

Anonymous

04/21/2012 13:34 Subject: Re:St. John Academy in McLean

PP here...the first paragraph with bold sentence is meant to be a quotation from a previous poster - Sorry, I'm a bit technologically-challenged...

Anonymous

04/21/2012 13:32 Subject: St. John Academy in McLean

I hear you. I agree with some of what you said. But for blaming Scalia - I think the facts are that this was an Arlington Diocese decision. I really think pay should be adjusted based on area served too. But in the case of SJA - I think that the Diocese came down on the whole deal. I don't think Scalia had much choice. There's a lot of shake up in the whole Catholic School Arlington Diocese enchilada... I think this is a much bigger problem than Saint John - the whole Catholic School pay scale etc. - don't get me started... Improvements are needed. I think this is way bigger than one Priest - I think this Priest did the best he could given the circumstances and constraints of the bigger picture. I would give anything if we could keep Peter - adore the man - but I really, really think that this was made at a different level than Peter's individual case. Everyone has a boss and in most cases a Board of Directors - including Father Scalia... No stoned was unturned by the SJA Parents to keep Peter in place. So - we pretty much know that it's bigger than Father alone. He does listen to the parents and individuals. He does. If you think he doesn't - and you are in parish - just make an appt. and talk to him... I think you will understand what I'm saying...

Anonymous

04/20/2012 19:42 Subject: St. John Academy in McLean

What is a PP? DD? DC?

Anonymous

04/20/2012 19:41 Subject: St. John Academy in McLean

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it is more than that. I realize there are a lot of emotions with Mr. Shultz leaving but it is normal for people to have an opinion and DCUM allows for giving opinions..even if you do not like them. I am disapointed that Mr. Shultz is leaving over finances--it can't be disputed that his package was fine with the previous paster and Fr. Scalia comes in and it is a problem? His salary wasn't huge it was the extras that were held against him..namely extra insurance and tuition as he has a large family. This angers me because tech..you are supposed to have a large family in the Catholic faith so it is bizarre that was even an issue. He clearly walked the talk in that area. As for housing..it was donated so this is not like some huge charge to the church and frankly I think most parents would agree that it makes sense to have a Head of School who lives near--how are you going to accomplish that if you don't have a good package. Mclean is a wealthy suburb..and again..he wasn't making millions. So yes this makes a lot of people angry..angry that the best thing that happened to the school was allowed to leave over money. I blame Fr. Scalia for this. As for exmissions..is anyone disputing that Fr. Scalia would rather have kids go to Biship O'Connell??? Or that he is on the board of that school? How many kids got into each of the private hs as opposed to who applied who wasn't legacy? Again this is tough commentary but I think it's important to discuss because maybe from discussion things will in fact change. The parents and students at St. John are wonferful..no doubt in that nor the people who attend the parish..it is wonderful. Everyone deserves more. The kids in NY who will get to know Mr. Shultz are so fortunate..he is wonderful.

People are certainly entitled to their opinions. Problem is when misinformed people state facts that are simply not true. If you would like to fully understand Mr. Schultz's compensation package then you should make an appointment with Fr. Scalia or you should ask Mr. Schultz himself. They will be able to fill in the blanks to several of your assumptions that are way off base. I apologize for being cryptic but, I don't think someone's finances should be discussed behind their back in an open forum like this. As to your questions about high schools, I have't gotten a real feeling that Father is pushing one school over another....one thing that I do know is that our 8th graders generally have an impressive list of schools that they have been acepted to.

Anonymous

04/20/2012 19:37 Subject: St. John Academy in McLean

Anonymous wrote:I think it is more than that. I realize there are a lot of emotions with Mr. Shultz leaving but it is normal for people to have an opinion and DCUM allows for giving opinions..even if you do not like them. I am disapointed that Mr. Shultz is leaving over finances--it can't be disputed that his package was fine with the previous paster and Fr. Scalia comes in and it is a problem? His salary wasn't huge it was the extras that were held against him..namely extra insurance and tuition as he has a large family. This angers me because tech..you are supposed to have a large family in the Catholic faith so it is bizarre that was even an issue. He clearly walked the talk in that area. As for housing..it was donated so this is not like some huge charge to the church and frankly I think most parents would agree that it makes sense to have a Head of School who lives near--how are you going to accomplish that if you don't have a good package. Mclean is a wealthy suburb..and again..he wasn't making millions. So yes this makes a lot of people angry..angry that the best thing that happened to the school was allowed to leave over money. I blame Fr. Scalia for this. As for exmissions..is anyone disputing that Fr. Scalia would rather have kids go to Biship O'Connell??? Or that he is on the board of that school? How many kids got into each of the private hs as opposed to who applied who wasn't legacy? Again this is tough commentary but I think it's important to discuss because maybe from discussion things will in fact change. The parents and students at St. John are wonferful..no doubt in that nor the people who attend the parish..it is wonderful. Everyone deserves more. The kids in NY who will get to know Mr. Shultz are so fortunate..he is wonderful.

People are certainly entitled to their opinions. Problem is when misinformed people state facts that are simply not true. If you would like to fully understand Mr. Schultz's compensation package then you should make an appointment with Fr. Scalia or you should ask Mr. Schultz himself. They will be able to fill in the blanks to several of your assumptions that are way off base. I apologize for being cryptic but, I don't think someone's finances should be discussed behind their back in an open forum like this. As to your questions about high schools, I have't gotten a real feeling that Father is pushing one school over another....one thing that I do know is that our 8th graders generally have an impressive list of schools that they have been acepted to.

Anonymous

04/20/2012 18:27 Subject: St. John Academy in McLean

Anonymous wrote:I think it is more than that. I realize there are a lot of emotions with Mr. Shultz leaving but it is normal for people to have an opinion and DCUM allows for giving opinions..even if you do not like them. I am disapointed that Mr. Shultz is leaving over finances--it can't be disputed that his package was fine with the previous paster and Fr. Scalia comes in and it is a problem? His salary wasn't huge it was the extras that were held against him..namely extra insurance and tuition as he has a large family. This angers me because tech..you are supposed to have a large family in the Catholic faith so it is bizarre that was even an issue. He clearly walked the talk in that area. As for housing..it was donated so this is not like some huge charge to the church and frankly I think most parents would agree that it makes sense to have a Head of School who lives near--how are you going to accomplish that if you don't have a good package. Mclean is a wealthy suburb..and again..he wasn't making millions. So yes this makes a lot of people angry..angry that the best thing that happened to the school was allowed to leave over money. I blame Fr. Scalia for this. As for exmissions..is anyone disputing that Fr. Scalia would rather have kids go to Biship O'Connell??? Or that he is on the board of that school? How many kids got into each of the private hs as opposed to who applied who wasn't legacy? Again this is tough commentary but I think it's important to discuss because maybe from discussion things will in fact change. The parents and students at St. John are wonferful..no doubt in that nor the people who attend the parish..it is wonderful. Everyone deserves more. The kids in NY who will get to know Mr. Shultz are so fortunate..he is wonderful.

Improvements are needed. I think this is way bigger than one Priest - I think this Priest did the best he could given the circumstances and constraints of the bigger picture. I would give anything if we could keep Peter - adore the man - but I really, really think that this was made at a different level than Peter's individual case. Everyone has a boss and in most cases a Board of Directors - including Father Scalia... No stoned was unturned by the SJA Parents to keep Peter in place. So - we pretty much know that it's bigger than Father alone. He does listen to the parents and individuals. He does. If you think he doesn't - and you are in parish - just make an appt. and talk to him... I think you will understand what I'm saying...

Anonymous

04/20/2012 13:15 Subject: St. John Academy in McLean

sorry for typos..baby on leg squirming.

Anonymous

04/20/2012 12:56 Subject: St. John Academy in McLean

I think it is more than that. I realize there are a lot of emotions with Mr. Shultz leaving but it is normal for people to have an opinion and DCUM allows for giving opinions..even if you do not like them. I am disapointed that Mr. Shultz is leaving over finances--it can't be disputed that his package was fine with the previous paster and Fr. Scalia comes in and it is a problem? His salary wasn't huge it was the extras that were held against him..namely extra insurance and tuition as he has a large family. This angers me because tech..you are supposed to have a large family in the Catholic faith so it is bizarre that was even an issue. He clearly walked the talk in that area. As for housing..it was donated so this is not like some huge charge to the church and frankly I think most parents would agree that it makes sense to have a Head of School who lives near--how are you going to accomplish that if you don't have a good package. Mclean is a wealthy suburb..and again..he wasn't making millions. So yes this makes a lot of people angry..angry that the best thing that happened to the school was allowed to leave over money. I blame Fr. Scalia for this. As for exmissions..is anyone disputing that Fr. Scalia would rather have kids go to Biship O'Connell??? Or that he is on the board of that school? How many kids got into each of the private hs as opposed to who applied who wasn't legacy? Again this is tough commentary but I think it's important to discuss because maybe from discussion things will in fact change. The parents and students at St. John are wonferful..no doubt in that nor the people who attend the parish..it is wonderful. Everyone deserves more. The kids in NY who will get to know Mr. Shultz are so fortunate..he is wonderful.