The pastor at Holy Rosary Catholic Church said reinstated Holy Rosary Catholic School principal Darren Mullis is "woven into the fabric" of the school, and that his experience and leadership is important for the school to thrive.
In an Aug. 28 statement, Holy Rosary pastor James Clark addressed the concern over Mullin's departure and said he asked the former principal to return.
"I want to acknowledge how difficult the last week has been for our parish, our school, and our Holy Rosary family," Clark said. "In my heart, I consider myself a shepherd. And a good shepherd knows when his flock is hurting. A good shepherd also listens to his flock... After much prayer, conversation, and careful discernment, I have asked Mr. Mullis to return as principal,
and he has accepted my offer."
Clark said him and Mullis were in agreement about "changes that are needed moving forward" and a shared desire for a sustainable school.
Clark said the school is facing challenges with finances and enrollment, and said he will create the Holy Rosary Catholic School Advisory board to raise money and increase enrollment for the school.
The board will be made up of parish members and community leaders and chaired by Mike Fletcher, who is a parishioner at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. The board will advise school leaders, advocate for the school and lead fundraising efforts for the school, according to the statement.
"We will meet regularly with this board and provide updates to the Holy Rosary community on progress, plans, and opportunities to support the school," Clark said.
Why did Darrin Mullis leave Holy Rosary?
Leadership at Holy Rosary, located in East Memphis, told parents in an Aug. 19 letter that Mullis would no longer serve as principal of the school. The letter was posted by parents to social media.
"Darren Mullis will be departing from Holy Rosary School as our principal, and we wish him the very best moving forward," the letter read. "He has an opportunity to continue to serve in the Catholic Schools of Memphis, and we hope that he will pursue that opportunity as his service to our school has been greatly appreciated."
The letter did not describe the move as a "dismissal," but that's the word parents have used to voice their dissent over the announcement. Mullis served as principal since 2003, according to the school's website.
Holy Rosary Catholic School reinstated Mullis as principal after parents voiced concerns over his departure, a spokesperson with the Catholic Dioceses of Memphis confirmed Aug. 28.
The spokesperson said the decision to reinstate Mullis was Holy Rosary’s, but the dioceses supports the decision.
Jack Armstrong covers breaking news and the environment for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at jack.armstrong@commercialappeal.com and followed on X @jca2902.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: What Memphis Holy Rosary pastor said about reinstatement of principal
