News Summary
Phil Baniewicz, President of Bishop Miege High School, has been placed on administrative leave amid concerns regarding his ability to maintain a safe environment for students. This decision follows allegations related to his leadership style and a history of serious accusations, including a civil lawsuit involving sexual abuse. Community members have voiced their concerns, prompting the Board of Trustees to act. As investigations proceed, an interim president has been appointed to ensure the school’s operations continue smoothly during this critical time.
Kansas City, Kansas – Phil Baniewicz, President of Bishop Miege High School, has been placed on administrative leave effective June 5, 2025, following concerns about his ability to maintain a safe environment for students at the institution. The decision was made by the executive committee of the Board of Trustees and has been confirmed by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in a statement released on the same date.
The administrative leave comes as part of a thorough investigation initiated due to prior allegations surrounding Baniewicz’s leadership style and its impact on the school community. Concerns have been raised by parents and former students regarding the environment under his administration. Notably, a former student reported experiences of a culture characterized by shame and guilt directed primarily at female students, along with the implementation of public shaming and enforced isolation practices. These claims have been corroborated by other alumni who shared similar experiences with the disciplinary culture fostered during Baniewicz’s tenure.
In a significant addition to the growing concerns, Baniewicz has previously been named in a civil lawsuit from 2005 that involved allegations of sexual abuse dating back to the 1980s. This lawsuit accused him of abusing a 14-year-old boy, and while it was settled, Baniewicz has never faced criminal charges related to these allegations. The lawsuit also implicated other clergy members, including a former Monsignor, with whom Baniewicz had close associations.
Community Response and Interim Leadership
The news of Baniewicz’s leave has elicited reactions from multiple stakeholders within the school community. Parents, such as Kelly Kincaid, had previously expressed apprehensions about his leadership well before the administrative leave was enacted. These community concerns appear to have played a crucial role in prompting the board’s decision.
Archbishop Shawn McKnight has backed the board’s resolution to place Baniewicz on leave, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to fostering safe and supportive educational environments. During the ongoing investigation, Joe Schramp, the associate principal of Bishop Miege, has been appointed as the interim president, ensuring the school’s administration remains functional amid the unfolding situation.
Investigative Process and Future Steps
The Archdiocese has stated that it will not disclose further information about the investigation due to the sensitive nature of personnel matters. However, they have encouraged anyone with additional concerns or information regarding Baniewicz or the situation to reach out to the Office for Protection and Care.
Despite the ongoing investigation, David Clohessy from SNAP, a network for survivors of institutional sexual abuse, has voiced concerns about Baniewicz’s hiring in the first place, labeling the investigation as a positive, albeit overdue, action.
As the community awaits more information, Archbishop McKnight has called for prayers for all individuals involved in the situation—reflecting the school’s commitment to support those affected during this tumultuous time. Until the investigation concludes, specifics regarding its duration and findings are not expected to be released, leaving many in the school community eager for resolution and answers.
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Additional Resources
- Kansas City Star
- KSHB 41 News
- KCTV5 News
- Wikipedia: Bishop Miege High School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bishop Miege High School
