Villa Madonna CEO steps down

VILLA HILLS, Ky. - The president and CEO of Villa Madonna Academy stepped down form her position Friday.

9 On Your Side has learned Anne Maxfield communicated with the board of directors at the school in Villa Hills, Ky. that she would resign Feb. 22 after previously telling the school she did not intend to return to Villa Madonna when her contract expired June 30.

The schools board of directors made it clear that Maxfield made the decision.

9 On Your Side reporter Kendall Herold obtained a letter sent home with children to their parents Friday. In the letter the board of directors stated that they have created an Ad Hoc Committee charged with recommending an organizational structure for the school. It also indicates that elementary school Principal Soshona Bosley and high school Principal Pamela McQueen will return to Villa Madonna for the 2013-2014 school year.

Neither Maxfield nor a representative from the school were available for comment Friday evening.

The decision comes a little more than a week after Maxfield announced a plan to eliminate the positions of Bosley and McQueen next school year. Both are under contract through June 30.

The plan to replace the principals with a chief academic officer and other administrative decisions sparked the ire of parents of students at the school. A "Save Mrs. Mcqueen" group, which was "liked" by 228 people as of Friday, was created on Facebook so students and parents could show support for the principal and voice their displeasure with Maxfield.

On Tuesday, Feb. 12 , Maxfield and the board of directors held a meeting to reconsider the restructuring of the administrative positions, according to a report from 9 On Your Side reporter Tom McKee.

The "Save Mrs. Mcqueen" group posted the news (an im! age of a post from the Facebook group can be seen in the media player above) around 8 p.m.. The status had 82 "likes" as of 11:30 p.m.

A copy of the letter can be seen below:

February 22, 2013

Dear Parents,

At the Board of Directors meeting last week, Anne Maxfield communicated to the Board her intent not to return to Villa Madonna Academy after her contract expires June 30, 2013. Ms. Maxfield more recently decided that it would be best to step down from her position prior to June 30; her last day is today, February 22. To be clear, this was Ms. Maxfield's decision. The Board is grateful for the progress made under her leadership. She wishes everyone well and is grateful for the time she was connected with Villa Madonna Academy. At its recent meeting, the Board created an Ad Hoc Committee charged with recommending an organizational structure for the school.

Representatives of the board have met with Mrs. Soshana Bosley and Mrs. Pamela McQueen and are pleased to announce that both will be returning to Villa as K-6 and 7-12 principals respectively for the 2013-2014 school year.

There has been much communication and we want to thank everyone for their commitment to Villa Madonna Academy. We will continue to consider all responses and input received as we move Villa Madonna toward a bright future. For now, we have decided to delay the parent forum. After a few weeks have passed, we will talk with the principals to gauge parent interest in a forum.

We ask that you demonstrate your love and support for Villa Madonna Academy in the coming days and weeks. For those of you who have been considering other schools for your children, we ask that you reconsider. There is much work to be done and challenges ahead, but know that the board is firmly committed to the tradition of academic excellence and reverence for Benedictine values. In your continued support of Villa Madonna Academy, please join us at VillaRama this Saturday as we celebrate our community.

Than! k you for! your prayers, interest and support of the academy.Best regards, Mary Paula Schuh Josh Ruth Sr. Mary Catherine Wenstrup, OSB Chair Vice Chair Prioress, St. Walburg Monastery.Best regards,Mary Paula Schuh Josh Ruth Sr. Mary Catherine Wenstrup, OSBChair Vice Chair Prioress, St. Walburg MonasteryStay with 9 On Your Side and WCPO.com for updates as they become available.

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