Our Lady, queen of the apostles

Dear parishioners and school families,
          It is my honor and privilege to share with you our new principal of Bishop Flaget Catholic School. Our parishioner, Aaron Brown, will join the Bishop Flaget family as principal this summer. Aaron has many years of experience in education, especially in our local area. He is also a man who is passionate about sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Please join me in congratulating and praying for Aaron as we plan for the next school year. We also want to thank Dr. Rix and Terrina Fahnestock for their leadership this school year, which established the foundation for Aaron to excel going forward.
          Since 1830, Catholic education has been present in Chillicothe. What a history! Aaron Brown and I are committed to continuing holy and healthy Catholic education for our children.
          Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles….pray for us!
 From your Pastor, 
Fr. Sean M. Dooley

Dear Parishioners and Bishop Flaget School Parents,
     We are happy to welcome Aaron Brown as the new principal of Bishop Flaget. I want to thank you for your patience and support during this time of transition. 
     I am also happy to announce that OLQA parishioner Elaine Domo will be joining the Bishop Flaget family as Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Elaine formerly served as Principal of Grades 7-8 for Chillicothe Middle School. She brings years of education experience and a desire to see our Catholic school flourish. Elaine is committed to effective communication, collaborative problem-solving, and student-centered decision-making. In addition, she brings the skills of staff development and coaching of teachers.  Please welcome her!
     I have received some questions about the class structure for next year that I would like to address. Please understand that our new principal has not officially started yet, and, therefore, no decisions are able to be finalized. We know that our families will need time to adjust to changes in the school and will work to get you the finalized structure as soon as it is determined. To offer some guidance, there are some updates I can give you now.  
     Due to our enrollment numbers at this time, we are unable to offer 7th and 8th Grade for the 2026-2027 school year. This could change if we see an increase in enrollment. It is my desire to offer 7th and 8th grade, but with only one student enrolled in each class, we cannot responsibly afford it. We would need to have at least 8 students combined in both 7th and 8th grade to move forward.
     Moreover, tentative plans for the 2026-2027 school year for some of our younger grades include: 
    -3rd and 4th   combined
    -5th and 6th   combined
It is our intention to explore possibilities for art and music at Bishop Flaget School. However, no definite plans have been made yet. We will communicate that out to you as soon as we can. If you have any creative ideas on specials, please reach out to Mr. Brown and Ms. Domo.
     In addition, many have asked about our teacher line-up for next year. They are the following:
•    Preschool/Pre-K: Kenzy Frazier
•    Kindergarten: We are awaiting to hear from an exciting candidate.
•    1st Grade: Olivia Higley
•    2nd Grade: Frances Reisinger
•    3rd and 4th Grade: Barb Apsley
•    5th and 6th Grade: Diane Cryder
•    Interventionalist Specialist (full-time): Tess Hatmacher
     Mr. Brown and Ms. Domo are eager to meet with our teachers and to begin planning for the upcoming school year. Again, needs or staffing could change if there is an increase in enrollment and if the new administration sees another need to be filled in our school. The Bishop Flaget School Advisory Board has been consulted and are excited to work and help our new leadership team. We encourage all families to make sure that they have re-enrolled, and invite other families who may be interested in the school to consider enrolling.
     It is my sincere hope to be able to have a school year that is robust and fulfilling for our students. I appreciate your patience as we navigate the best options for the students and families of Bishop Flaget. Please know that you have my continued prayers, and I ask for yours for a safe and happy end to our current school year for students, faculty, and administration.  
     Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles......pray for us!
In Christ,
Fr. Sean M. Dooley
Pastor