Remarks
Charlotte Catholic High School Principal Lori Phillips has resigned just days after a contentious meeting where she suggested parents were responsible for a “culture problem” at the school. The announcement, made Tuesday, follows months of growing tensions between parents and school leadership over communication, administrative decisions, and an accreditation shift.
Leadership Changes After Escalating Concerns
Charlotte Catholic, a private high school in south Charlotte, has faced backlash from parents regarding recent administrative changes. The Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) system confirmed that Phillips’ resignation is effective Friday, Feb. 14.
“Principal Phillips has decided to resign from her position… to allow Charlotte Catholic High School to move forward with a renewed focus on teaching and learning,” MACS Superintendent Greg Monroe stated in an email to parents.
Parents voiced concerns about transparency and school culture, culminating in last Thursday’s meeting where Phillips’ remarks went viral. The meeting addressed concerns over a switch in the school’s accreditation to Cognia without prior notification to parents. The change had been made in October but was only disclosed publicly in January.
‘Culture Problem’ Video Fuels Backlash
In the now widely circulated video, Phillips told parents that Charlotte Catholic’s greatest issue was not policies or teachers but “a culture problem.” Some parents saw this as dismissive of their concerns. Her remarks followed months of frustration, including backlash over a September incident where she reportedly warned female students that rolling up their uniform skirts would make them look “fat.”
Phillips issued an apology at the time, but tensions remained high, with many parents accusing the administration of failing to listen.
Interim Leadership and Future Plans
Charlotte Catholic President Kurt Telford will take over principal duties for the remainder of this school year and the 2025-26 school year. The school will begin a national search for a new principal in summer 2026.
Monroe reassured families that the Catholic Schools Office would meet with parents, teachers, and administrators to rebuild trust. “This spring, we look forward to hearing more about your vision for the future of Charlotte Catholic High School,” Monroe said.
Phillips, in her resignation letter, stated she was stepping down “for the sake of the school” and wished the best for the community.
The controversy highlights ongoing struggles between parents and school officials over governance, transparency, and school culture at Charlotte Catholic.
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