A meeting for only parents of current Eastside Catholic School students Jan. 23 didn’t shed much new light on the school’s direction.

As the backlash and sustained publicity over the firing of popular vice principal Mark Zmuda continues – including a front page story in the Jan. 23 New York Times, the school is sticking to its position.

“The board presented a pretty unified front – Mark is not coming back, EC is a Catholic school and will remain a Catholic school,” said alumni Corey Sinser, organizer of KeepmrZ2013.

A statement from Eastside Catholic states that “the Eastside Catholic Board of Trustees reaffirmed that the school will not be rehiring Zmuda. The board stated that Mr. Zmuda has acknowledged he was aware of Catholic doctrine and further knew he was not in full compliance with his employment agreement.”

Zmuda was fired for marrying his gay partner last summer. Gay marriage is not recognized by the Catholic church.

“At the parent and faculty meeting, the board reiterated that the school is focused on a positive path forward guided by its three touchstones of: academic excellence, relationships and servant leadership,” the statement continued. “Eastside Catholic will remain a Catholic school and will support the teachings of the Catholic Church.”

Eastside Catholic Communications Manager Karen Hatch said the next president of the school will be Catholic. The former president, Sister Mary Tracy, resigned Monday, Jan. 20 for reasons unknown.

Sinser said the board alluded to a more open dialogue between teachers and administration. However, it did not clarify what teachers/staff should be cognizant of regarding situations that may result in termination. He said many parents were in support of the school decision, but many are still bothered.

“A lot of parents had hoped for a more enlightened perspective,” Sinser said.

Hatch said the tone of the meeting was very calm and respectful.