The Deacon's Bench
The president of a suburban Seattle Catholic school has resigned in the turmoil following the school’s decision to force out a vice principal who married his same-sex partner.
Eastside Catholic School trustees have accepted Sister Mary Tracy’s resignation, effective immediately. In an email sent to parents, staff and others Tuesday evening, trustees said it was a “difficult but necessary decision” for Tracy.
The school and former Vice Principal Mark Zmuda have disputed the circumstances of his December departure. Zmuda says he was fired, but the school says he resigned after acknowledging that his marriage violated Catholic teaching and thus the terms of his contract.
Students and others have protested Zmuda’s departure.
Tracy was not immediately reachable by phone, and school lawyer Mike Patterson said he had no additional comment.
“Sister Mary came to this decision after much prayer and reflection,” the trustees’ email said. “For Sister Mary it was a difficult but necessary decision so that a new leader can be brought in to ensure the entire Eastside Catholic community is on a positive path forward.”
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