Below is a letter sent to NCHSAA member schools from Cardinal Gibbons Principal Jason Curtis, Superintendent of the Diocese of Raleigh Dr. Michael Fedewa, and members of the Diocese of Charlotte in response to the proposed amendment.
April 17, 2012
To: NCHSAA Members
From: Janice Ritter, Michael Fedewa, Jerry Healy, George Repass and Jason Curtis
Re: Proposed Bylaw Amendment
Now that we have had an opportunity to review the Proposal for Amendment and By Law Changes, we would like to take the opportunity to respond to each point raised.
While our schools do not have established geographic boundaries, we do deal with other factors that create boundaries for our system. Experience has shown that distance and transportation are two major factors for parents in school selection.
When our system was admitted in the NCHSAA, we agreed to a transfer rule policy in order to address this issue. For the past 50 years, this policy, unique to our schools, has served to level the playing field.
As all member schools, our enrollment numbers reflect our total population, which includes students with mild to severe handicaps.
All our schools have a clearly articulated admission process. Our first obligation in this process is to fulfill our mission of providing a quality Catholic education. As such, priority is given to participating Catholics in our feeder systems. Other levels of admission are in place, and nowhere is athletics taken into consideration.
Any student transferring in from a member school is excluded from participating in athletics for two semesters. They are told this during the admissions process. Only students transferring in from non- member schools can use the appeal process, which is controlled by the NCHSAA.
We hope this clarifies the issues presented by the proponents of the amendment change. We appreciate your consideration of our position. This is the second time we have been put through this very difficult process. In 1986, a similar amendment was submitted to the general members for their consideration, and thankfully it was rejected. We have been a faithful member of the NCHSAA for 50 years, and we hope to be able to continue our relationship.
If you would like further clarification please contact Jerry Healy, Principal of Charlotte Catholic High School, Kevin Christmas, AD of Charlotte Catholic High School, or Jason Curtis, Principal of Cardinal Gibbons.
