Sewickley Academy assistant head resigns; 4 other faculty, staff members gone

Sewickley Academy assistant Head of Schools Ken Goleski and four other faculty members are no longer working at the private Edgeworth school, academy officials confirmed Monday.

The personnel changes are part of the response to a chaotic day in which students and parents attempted to deliver a petition to academy administration demanding change on March 3.

Police were called as a result of that situation. No arrests were made.

Dozens of students and parents held a protest outside the academy the following day and student classes were canceled.

“Recent events on the campus of Sewickley Academy have distracted our students, faculty, and staff from their primary focus on academic excellence,” academy officials said via news release. “Our Senior School has faced challenges over the last handful of years, with heightened tensions that unfortunately came to a head recently.”

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Academy spokeswoman Jennifer Donovan said the announcement was sent out to school families on Sunday so students and parents could prepare for classes Monday.

She declined further comment about the departed staffers beyond the release, citing academy policy not to comment on specific personnel matters. It is unclear when those positions would be filled.

“What’s most important is to have the right people here,” Donovan said Monday afternoon. “We’ll take the time necessary to have the right people.”

Goleski resigned from his post about eight months after receiving the promotion. He previously served as acting head of the senior school, dean of the senior school and was an award-winning teacher of Spanish language and culture.

The statement said the small group of faculty members and staff “have not maintained the degree of respect and professionalism that the Academy expects of their positions.”

It went on to address the petition delivery and the group of about 25-30 people who attempted to meet with Head of School Ashley Birtwell. It said Birtwell was unable to meet with the group, and when the people refused to leave the situation was described as “unruly, but not violent” causing law enforcement to be involved.

“While the Academy encourages the desire for open discourse that initially prompted this group to present their petition, we cannot condone the behavior that ensued,” the academy statement read. “The workplace culture, throughout the organization, requires a high level of professionalism and decorum, which must be taken into account by all members of our community.”

All classes and advisories conducted by the four faculty members have been redistributed to other staff for the remainder of the school year.

Additional counselors will be available at the senior school and as needed after spring break, according to academy officials.

The statement concluded by stating:

“It is important that our community, especially our students, understand that the canceling of Senior School classes on Friday was meant to allow everyone to pause, reflect, and regroup after Thursday’s events. It was not an attempt to interfere with the walk-out scheduled for Friday, which did occur as planned. In fact, the students who participated in Friday’s walk-out were supported and encouraged in their demonstration, and we were incredibly proud of their organization, preparation, and effective public speaking – all of which they were taught as part of their Academy education. There has been significant change this academic year. We want nothing more than to address issues and collaborate in preparing Sewickley Academy for the future and ensuring a positive and productive learning environment for all students.”