Sewickley Academy Assistant Head, 4 Faculty Members Leave

EDGEWORTH, Pa. (KDKA) - The fallout continues at Sewickley Academy after tensions reached a boiling point last week: a school leader and four faculty members are out.

The assistant head of schools is resigning. He's accused of calling police on a group of students and parents trying to take a petition to the school leaders on Thursday.

In a letter to parents, school head Dr. Ashley Birtwell said she accepted Ken Goleski's resignation, and four other faculty members "will not be completing the remainder of the school year."

Birtwell said many of the new changes were going to happen at the end of the year, "but recent events have accelerated those plans."

Police were called to the prestigious private school Thursday when Birtwell said a group of parents and students trying to take a petition to her became "unruly," though not violent.

By Monday morning, the school wiped Goleski's photo from their leadership page. Birtwell would not confirm why he left.

"Hiring faculty, staff, administrators, will be on the top of my mind as we approach the end of the school year. That's the time of the year we are in for all independent schools," Birtwell said.

In addition to Goleski, four other faculty members are gone.

According to sources, most worked in the history department. On Friday, there were supposedly four history teachers in the senior school. Now there is reportedly only one. Birtwell would not say what openings were left behind but said "qualified faculty" are covering the openings.

In a statement, she said some staff have not maintained the degree of respect and professionalism asked of their positions. Birtwell wouldn't confirm if that is why they were let go.

"We can always agree to disagree. That's important, that diversity of thought, but we need to do so in a respectful, kind manner here at the academy," Birtwell told KDKA.

She met with seniors Monday in light of last week's tensions.

"I heard from many students today aside from those formal gatherings," Birtwell said.

She plans to meet with students about their petition from last week asking for change.

On Friday, about 50 parents and students protested a lack of inclusion while classes at the senior school were canceled. Sewickley Academy has parted ways with several administrators and faculty since last summer, and with many of them being people of color, some students feel a support system was taken away.

"There has been significant change this academic year," Birtwell's letter said. "I want nothing more than to get us all on the right track. And, while I know the loss of faculty and staff may be disappointing and disheartening, I hope that we can come together as we prepare Sewickley Academy for the future and ensure a positive and productive learning environment for all students."

She also said additional counselors will be available throughout the next week for the senior school.

There's been no word on when the openings will be filled.