The Presentation High School president has resigned amid abuse cover-up allegations at the all-girls Catholic High School.

Mary Miller will step down from the school on Sept. 14.

The board is currently searching for her replacement.

In her resignation letter, Miller wrote:

“I have come to the realization my resignation is what is best for Pres. This is an amazing school, and the work done here is changing lives for the better every day. But the allegations of past sexual abuse continue to be a distraction for the school and bring negative attention towards Presentation. It is my sincere hope that my absence will bring some peace and allow the staff and new administration to focus on the success and well being of our students–which is our common goal. We cannot change the past, but we can and must dedicate ourselves to the future.”

Miller attended the high school as a student, later became a teacher, and had served as the principal for the last 25 years before she became president.

Also, Sister Pam Chiesa will assume the role of Chairperson of Presentation High School’s Board of Directors, the school announced Wednesday.

She is replacing Marian Stuckey who has retired.

“We recognize that Mary has been the focus of criticism in her handling of reporting misconduct
cases,” Sister Pam Chiesa said. “We also recognize that Mary has been an inspiration to
many young women and helped guide them successfully in their lives and careers. Now is the
time to refocus on our mission and begin healing our community.”

The school says it has implemented the following steps in reaction to the allegations:

  • Conducting additional mandatory reporting training for all staff in January 2018 and preparing two additional trainings on student safety in the 2018-2019 school year.
  • Implementing new policy updates (available on our website) recommended by an ad hoc committee and approved by the Board.
  • Creating the Office of Prevention of Student Bullying, Harassment & Abuse, led by a Director who reports to the Board.
  • Attending a mediation to listen to ideas on how to make Presentation an even safer school in the future.
  •  Applying updates to our Student Wellness Program to include student safety.
  • Focusing on healthy relationships, dating, and how to spot abuse in our annual Student Development Days.

Here is a statement from attorney Robert Allard, who is representing the victims pro-bono.

“True change cannot occur until those responsible for past transgressions are held responsible.  This decision is the first of what we hope are several steps in that direction.  There can be no doubt that reminder Mary Miller enabled numerous predators to sexually abuse countless young girls. Going forward, we hope that the new leaders will make student safety, instead of image and reputation, their number one priority.  Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the young women whose lives were devastated by the sexual abuse.”

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