ArchNY: No ‘operational control’ at school where sex assault alleged
A former teacher at a Manhattan Catholic school is accused of sexual assaulting a student
The Archdiocese of New York said Thursday that it does not exercise operational control over a Harlem Catholic school at which a girl was allegedly raped by a lay teacher, because the school is run by a non-profit that manages urban schools in the archdiocese.
“Mount Carmel – Holy Rosary is run by the Partnership for Inner-City Education (dba Partnership Schools), and has not been under the operational control of the Archdiocese of New York for over a decade,” archdiocesan spokesman Joe Zwilling told The Pillar May 30.
Zwilling explained the status of Mount Carmel-Holy Rosary School in East Harlem, New York, after the May 17 arrest of Daniel Haines, a former teacher at the school, who is accused of committing serial sexual assault against a 13-year-old.
The alleged sexual abuse, which includes one alleged count of rape, is reported to have taken place at the school itself.
Several acts of sexual assault took place between April 2022 and April 2023, when the victim was in seventh and eighth grade, the criminal complaint charges.
Haines, 39, allegedly took cell phone videos of sexual encounters with the girl, and exchanged sexual photos and videos with her by email. The teacher left Mount Carmel-Holy Rosary after the 2022-2023 school year, and became a middle school teacher in September 2023 at Abraham Joshua Heschel School, a Jewish day school in Manhattan.
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It is not clear how a teacher might have had the opportunity to serially sexually assault a middle school student at Mount Carmel - Holy Rosary.
The school is one of six Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York which in 2013 were placed under a management agreement with the non-profit Partnership for Inner-City Education, which agreed to assume financial responsibility for capital costs and operating expenses of those schools, while managing budgeting and day-to-day operations.
The agreement was made as several dioceses across the country sought to partner with independent organizations for the management of urban Catholic schools.
Those organizations were modeled after charter management organizations, nonprofit and for-profit entities formed to manage networks of charter schools, many of which said they could raise academic and behavior standards through a data-driven, “no excuses” approach that would set high expectations for students and faculty.
According to Catholic school policy experts, those organizations were attractive to major donors in some dioceses, because of their promise of institutional accountability and improved educational outcomes.
While Zwilling emphasized in remarks to The Pillar that Mount Carmel-Holy Rosary was not under the “operational control” of the archdiocese, the archdiocese does exercise governing authority over the school.
According to an August 2013 report in the archdiocesan Catholic New York newspaper, operating agreements ensured that the archdiocese would “retain governance oversight of the schools and continue to own the buildings in which they are located, as well as supervise and implement all religious curricula and programs.”
And while the Partnership for Inner-City Education is distinct from the archdiocese, New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan is a trustee of the organization. In 2022, the last year for which tax records are available, NY archdiocesan schools superintendent Michael Deegan was also a trustee, as was the diocesan vicar general and chancellor. Further, the organization listed its address as 1011 First Avenue, the site of the archdiocesan chancery.
And the partnership has its roots in a scholarship fund administered by an archdiocesan auxiliary bishop.
The archdiocese said it could not provide copies of their operating agreements with the non-profit.
But Zwilling told The Pillar Thursday that Catholic schools managed by the Partnership for Inner-City Education are required to observe the child protection and safe environment policies of the New York archdiocese.
And Zwilling told The Pillar that the school is cooperating with a police investigation into Haines’ alleged sexual assault there.
Emails in recent days from Mount Carmel-Holy Rosary administrators to school parents have urged them to contact law enforcement officers while allegations against Haines are investigated.
The school also said it had made counselors available to students.
The Partnership for Inner-City Education has not yet responded to requests for comment from The Pillar.
In 2022, the organization had some $17.4 million in revenue, but ran a budget deficit of almost $5 million. According to its annual report, the organization now manages seven Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese of New York, and four in the Diocese of Cleveland.
Editor’s note: This report was updated after publication.
As always, the real question is who knew what and when, and whether the admin/teachers are trained in safe environment (which I'd assume they are, if they are still under governance of the archdiocese).
If the admin/other teachers had no idea and this comes as as much as a shock to them as to us, then it is just the ugliness of sin and the fact that predators do not wear signs around their necks. But if the adults at the school DID have some idea, that is where compliance questions come in.
For now, prayers for this child and for the whole community. I am sure they are devastated.
I hope that the following material does not confuse more than it clarifies.
From Perplexity:
**Partnership for Inner-City Education (dba Partnership Schools)** is an independent school management organization that operates a network of Catholic elementary schools in New York City and Cleveland. Here are the key details about the organization in the context of New York City and New York State:
### Overview
- **Mission**: Partnership Schools aims to develop outstanding Catholic elementary schools that provide students from underserved communities with the academic preparation, values, and skills needed to break the cycle of poverty and lead fulfilling, productive lives[3].
- **Network**: The organization manages eleven schools, with seven located in New York City (specifically in the South Bronx and Harlem) and four in Cleveland[3].
### History and Structure
- **Formation**: The organization was formed in 2010 through the merger of two successful entities supporting Catholic education in the Archdiocese of New York: The Endowment for Inner-City Education and the Patrons Program[3].
- **Operational Control**: In 2013, the Partnership was granted full operational control of six Pre-K to 8th-grade schools in New York City. This number has since grown to seven schools in New York City[3].
### Educational Approach
- **Curriculum**: Partnership Schools offer a content-rich curriculum complemented by an early childhood program developed using the latest research. The schools emphasize core values such as integrity, humility, hard work, and service[1].
- **High School Placement**: The organization provides a proven high school placement program for students in grades 6 through 8, ensuring that graduates attend the best-fit high schools. A significant percentage of graduates attend top public and private high schools, with many receiving substantial financial aid[1].
### Financial Aid and Accessibility
- **Financial Aid**: All students at Partnership Schools receive financial aid that covers a substantial portion of the cost of education. Parents can pay as low as $100 a month, making the schools accessible to families from various economic backgrounds[1].
- **Admissions**: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with admissions season beginning in late January. Families are encouraged to apply early due to limited space[1].
### Impact and Vision
- **Philanthropy and Operations**: The organization leverages economies of scale in philanthropy and operations, allowing it to respond nimbly to the needs of families and produce positive educational outcomes[3].
- **Community Engagement**: Partnership Schools are deeply rooted in their communities, with each school having a unique history and a commitment to serving its neighborhood[1].
In summary, Partnership for Inner-City Education (dba Partnership Schools) is a pioneering organization in urban Catholic education, dedicated to providing high-quality education and fostering values in underserved communities in New York City and beyond.
Citations:
[1] https://apply.partnershipnyc.org/nyc-apply-now-2023/
[2] https://catholicschoolsny.org/scholarships/partnership-schools/
[3] https://thepartnershipschools.org/about-us/who-we-are/
[4] https://thepartnershipschools.org
[5] https://thepartnershipschools.org/about-us/what-we-do/
•
Based on the search results provided, the responsibility for illegal acts occurring on school property under the Partnership for Inner-City Education (Partnership Schools) arrangement involves multiple stakeholders and is governed by various policies and agreements. Here are the key points:
1. Partnership Schools has operational control over the network of schools, but shares responsibility for safety and incident response with other entities as outlined in safety plans and memorandums of understanding (MOUs).
2. New York State law requires school districts to adopt comprehensive district-wide school safety plans and building-level emergency response plans [1]. These plans define the roles and responsibilities of school personnel, security personnel, law enforcement, and other stakeholders in responding to incidents, including illegal acts.
3. If Partnership Schools employs or contracts with law enforcement or security personnel, a written contract or MOU must be established with stakeholder input [1]. This MOU defines the relationship between the school, personnel, students, and law enforcement, clearly delegating the role of school discipline to the school administration.
4. The district-wide safety plan and building-level emergency response plans are developed by district and building-level teams, which include representatives from the school board, teacher and parent organizations, school safety personnel, law enforcement, and other relevant parties [1].
5. Partnership Schools, as the operational authority, is responsible for ensuring that these safety plans and MOUs are in place and followed, in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders, such as law enforcement agencies and the Archdiocese of New York.
6. In the event of an illegal act on school property, the specific response and allocation of responsibilities would be guided by the established safety plans, MOUs, and the nature of the incident itself.
In summary, while Partnership Schools has operational control over the network of schools, the responsibility for illegal acts on school property is shared among multiple stakeholders, including school personnel, security personnel, law enforcement, and other relevant parties, as defined in the comprehensive safety plans and agreements established in accordance with New York State laws and regulations.
Citations:
[1] https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EDN/2801-A
[2] https://ocde.us/LegalServices/Documents/District%20Liability%20Workbook%20-%20January%202018.pdf
[3] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/school-district-liability-duty-care-owed-students-visitors-dragan
[4] https://www.nysed.gov/curriculum-instruction/1002-general-school-requirements
[5] https://www.jonathancooperlaw.com/library/how-a-ny-school-can-be-held-negligent-even-for-offpremises-incidents.cfm
[6] https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/discipline-compendium?state=new+york&sub_category=Formal+Incident+Reporting+of+Conduct+Violations
[7] https://www.rstreet.org/research/partnership-schools-tradition-and-transition-in-the-new-york-catholic-school-network/
•
Based on the search results provided, the responsibility of the Catholic Diocese in the event of an illegal act occurring on the premises of Partnership Schools would depend on the specific agreements, policies, and safety plans established between the two entities.
A few key points can be inferred from the search results:
1. Partnership Schools has operational control over the network of schools, but likely shares responsibility for safety and incident response with other stakeholders, including the Archdiocese of New York, as outlined in comprehensive safety plans and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) [1][2].
2. New York State law requires schools to adopt district-wide school safety plans and building-level emergency response plans that define the roles and responsibilities of various parties, including school personnel, security, law enforcement, and other relevant stakeholders, in responding to incidents like illegal acts [1].
3. If Partnership Schools employs or contracts with law enforcement or security personnel, a written contract or MOU must be established with stakeholder input, clearly delegating the role of school discipline to the school administration [1].
4. The Archdiocese of New York, as the ecclesiastical authority overseeing Catholic schools in the area, would likely be involved in the development and approval of these safety plans and MOUs, ensuring alignment with Catholic values and principles [2][3].
5. In the event of an illegal act, the specific response and allocation of responsibilities would be guided by the established safety plans, MOUs, and the nature of the incident itself, with the Archdiocese potentially playing a role in decision-making, communication, and support, as outlined in these agreements [1][2][3].
In summary, while Partnership Schools has operational control, the responsibility for illegal acts on school property is likely shared among multiple stakeholders, including the Archdiocese of New York, as defined in comprehensive safety plans and agreements established in accordance with state laws and regulations, as well as Catholic principles and policies.
The extent of the Archdiocese's direct involvement would depend on the specific incident and the protocols outlined in the agreed-upon safety plans and MOUs between Partnership Schools and the Archdiocese.
Citations:
[1] https://www.mn.catholic.edu.au/media/3302/serious-incident-management-policy-may-2015.pdf
[2] https://www.catholicnh.org/assets/Documents/Schools/Handbook.pdf
[3] https://columbuscatholic.org/system/resources/W1siZiIsIjIwMjEvMTAvMjkvNWJidnVrbDNrZV9EaW9jZXNlX29mX0NvbHVtYnVzX1NhZmVfRW52aXJvbm1lbnRfTWFudWFsLnBkZiJdXQ/Diocese%20of%20Columbus%20Safe%20Environment%20Manual.pdf
[4] https://www.usccb.org/resources/responsibility-rehabilitation-and-restoration-catholic-perspective-crime-and-criminal
[5] https://raptortech.com/resources/blog/5-best-practices-for-school-safety-in-roman-catholic-dioceses/