Monks force out Benedictine headmaster, take increased role at school

Benedictine High School's headmaster has been forced out by senior monks who are reorganizing the administration of the 98-year-old school .

McGinty

The monastic order in charge of the school says it is undertaking the changes to save money and take a greater role in Benedictine's operations.

The decision, reached Sunday by unanimous consent of 11 senior monks at Mary Mother of the Church Abbey in Goochland County, forces out current Headmaster John McGinty, who has led the school since 2003.

The Rev. Gregory Gresko, the Abbey's second in command, will become the school's new headmaster effective July 1.

"The monastic community is acting in a renewal of its commitment to the high school," Gresko said today. "This action is being taken -- including the placement of other monks from the monastery into various administrative roles -- with intention of reinvigorating the monastic presence at the school."

Gresko noted that Benedictine was founded in 1911 by the Benedictine monks, but over the past few decades they had played a less active role in managing and directing the school.

"We're returning to our traditions, we're returning to our roots," Gresko said.

Gresko said McGinty's contract was not renewed as headmaster, but he was offered another position "that would have changed some of his responsibilities." He declined.

McGinty was a fixture at Mills Godwin High School in Henrico County for 21 years before accepting the headmaster's position at Benedictine in September 2003. In a statement e-mailed to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, he said, "I have enjoyed my six years at Benedictine immensely. I will miss being a part of such an outstanding and close knit school community."

Gresko said, "John McGinty has given great things to Benedictine, and we very much appreciate his years of service. ...He's hired many wonderful new faculty members."

The school's current Board of Trustees is also in process of being re-organized, Gresko said.

"We've been seeking to work cooperatively with all those who have been serving on the board up to this point," Gresko said. "We believe there are a lot of very good people who have a strong loyalty and love for the school. We're looking to have some of those members actually serve on the new board."

Gresko said he expects the reorganization to result in "significant cost savings." That should help the school's bottom line in the current economic downturn and keep tuition costs in line, he said.

"There's been great success in increased enrollment at the school, and there's been significant growth in its academic programs," Gresko said. "But there has been increased costs and overruns that have been incurred that have required our immediate attention."

"When you combine that with the severe economic downturn, and the economic effects that have followed, even more financial pressure has been put on the school, due to reduced financial support," he added.

The important thing, Gresko said, is to provide a quality education for the most affordable cost. "Out of fairness to our parents, who we know are strained in this current economy, we are looking to reduce any increase in tuition . . . and not pass unneeded expenses on to parents."

-- Mark Bowes