Charlotte Catholic High School principal resigns days after ‘culture problem’ meeting
READ MORE
Charlotte Catholic
Charlotte Catholic, a private high school, is under controversy over accreditation, parents concerns and resignations.
Expand All
The principal of Charlotte Catholic High School has resigned following parents’ calls for a leadership change.
The private school in south Charlotte faced growing tensions between parents and school leadership after making a controversial change in accreditation without initially informing parents. Principal Lori Phillips’ resignation was announced in an email to parents on Tuesday.
“Principal Phillips has decided to resign from her position, effective Friday, Feb. 14, to allow Charlotte Catholic High School to move forward with a renewed focus on teaching and learning,” Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools Superintendent Greg Monroe wrote in the letter to families obtained by The Charlotte Observer.
Parents previously criticized Phillips for creating an environment in which they said teachers and families felt alienated. She also made statements some parents told the Observer they found offensive, including insinuating parents at the school had a “culture problem” at a meeting Thursday.
In September, she issued an apology after warning female students not to roll up their uniform skirts or else they would appear “fat,” parents told The Charlotte Observer.
Charlotte Catholic President Kurt Telford will serve as head of school going forward, handling both principal and president duties for the remainder of this school year and the 2025-26 school year, Monroe wrote.
The school will begin a national search for new leadership by summer 2026.
“For the sake of the school, I believe it is best for me to step down from Charlotte Catholic so that everyone can refocus on what matters most – our students,” Phillips said in the letter. “I want to thank those of you who have supported me as principal. I believe in Charlotte Catholic and its mission of providing an extraordinary, faith-filled education with endless opportunities in partnership with parents. I am grateful to have had this opportunity and learning experience, and I wish the best for all of you.”
In response to complaints leadership has not adequately listened to parents’ feedback, Monroe said the school will consult families about their vision for CCHS this semester.
“This spring, the Catholic Schools Office looks forward to hearing more about your vision for the future of Charlotte Catholic High School,” the letter said. “We’ll be meeting with teachers, staff, administrators and your School Leadership Council of parent representatives to hear your hopes and expectations for the school, and for how we can work together to achieve our mission.”
This story was originally published February 11, 2025 at 4:05 PM.
