St. Francis Xavier School System logo. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Officials with the St. Francis Xavier Catholic School System have released a statement and identified the policy that was violated that led to the termination of the system’s high school principal, Mike Mauthe, last week.
The letter sent to Xavier families, written by the school system’s Interim President, Katie Heim, said, “A complaint was received by the Green Bay Diocese Safe Environment Office, which then opened an investigation. As a result, Mr. Mike Mauthe is no longer employed by St. Francis Xavier High School. Because this is a personnel matter, no additional details can be provided.”
The full letter reads:
“Dear Xavier Families,
I regret to inform you that a complaint was received by the Green Bay Diocese Safe Environment Office, which then opened an investigation. As a result, Mr. Mike Mauthe is no longer employed by St. Francis Xavier High School. Because this is a personnel matter, no additional details can be provided.
The safety of our children is our number one priority. We understand that this news can be distressing, and we are committed to supporting you along with our students and staff. Three Catholic Charities mental health counselors will be onsite at Xavier High School and available to staff and students on Friday, November 15.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. If you have additional information, please contact the Office of Safe Environment 920-272-8198.
Thank you for your understanding as we navigate through these circumstances. Please pray for everyone involved in the situation.”
The Diocese of Green Bay said after working with Xavier High School leadership, the matter was turned over to local authorities for further investigation.
Appleton police say they have opened an investigation, but couldn’t comment.
This week, another email was sent to families informing them that the St. Francis Xavier Catholic School system’s superintendent, Dr. John Ravizza, has also been terminated.
“As this matter continues to unfold, I need to make you aware that another individual has been identified as having violated policy by failing to meet reporting requirements in connection with the ongoing investigation of Mr. Mike Mauthe. This violation prompted St. Francis Xavier Catholic School System to terminate the employment of Superintendent Dr. John Ravizza effective immediately.”
Mauthe had a job offer to work at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Neenah, but the offer was rescinded after the complaint was filed against him. The Diocese of Green Bay confirmed his job offer was rescinded.
A statement from Interim President Katie Heim reads:
“Dear Xavier Community in Christ,
We want to take a moment to address the recent events that have deeply affected our school community. The decisions we had to make have not been made lightly. We recognize the shock and disbelief this has caused among our students, parents, and staff.
We are committed to transparency and restoring trust in our leadership. In the coming weeks, we will implement a comprehensive communication plan that will outline our next steps, ensuring that you are kept informed. We are working closely with the Board of Trustees, Pastors, and the Diocese of Green Bay to ensure our leadership team is equipped to guide us through this challenging time.
Our mission remains steadfast: a Christ-centered community dedicated to faith formation, academic excellence, community engagement, and individual growth of our students in a safe environment. We are dedicated to building a sustainable future for our Catholic school system. Our commitment to the compensation of our dedicated teachers, who deserve competitive salaries for their hard work and commitment, has not waivered, and we are working with our devoted Xavier donors to see this through.
These unfortunate circumstances leave a void in leadership at the system and high school levels, which we will address in the following ways:
To address this interim period, Matt Parish, Associate Principal of Xavier High School, Dr. Becky Walker, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Green Bay and I, are working in very close partnership to ensure our students and staff have everything they need to be successful.We will work together to discern the best leadership model moving forward and will keep you apprised.
We will be working in close partnership with school leaders to ensure their voices are heard and taken into consideration.
In partnership with Xavier leaders and faculty representatives, we will continue our search committee work to select a new high school principal, and the position will be immediately posted.
With the support of our pastors and counselors, we will encourage open communication with our entire Xavier community to begin the healing process.
We will work collectively with leaders and staff throughout the system and beyond to identify ways to further develop a Christ-centered culture.
et us come together in prayer during this time of healing and renewal. We believe in the resilience of our Xavier community and the power of our shared mission. God will lead us into safe harbor and together, we will restore trust and create a brighter future for our students and the St. Francis Xavier Catholic School System.
Thank you for your understanding and support. Please continue to pray for healing. St. Francis Xavier, pray for us. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.”
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