At a recent school board meeting, Maur Hill Mount Academy in Atchison, Kansas, voted to remove the name of former president and baseball coach Phil Baniewicz from the campus baseball field. The decision follows a 2025 firing from Bishop Miege High School and a 2025 archdiocesan ban that resulted from a 16‑allegation investigation spanning four decades.
Board action and community response
Board chairman Dan Pombo told KSHB 41 that the discussion was subject to confidentiality agreements, limiting the details he could share. “That is the subject of board deliberations which are bound by Confidentiality Agreements,” Pombo wrote in an email, adding that the board could not comment further at this time.
Former Maur Hill student Taylor Kelsey welcomed the move. “I’m glad that they came to this conclusion. I’m happy to hear that it’s done,” Kelsey said. She described the removal as a source of personal closure after years of advocating for accountability.
Allegations and archdiocesan action
Baniewicz was dismissed from Bishop Miege in 2025 after the archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas concluded a thorough investigation into 16 allegations of inappropriate behavior with minors. The archdiocese subsequently prohibited him from any future work within its jurisdiction.
Both Kelsey and fellow former student Parker Valdez have spoken publicly about their experiences at Maur Hill, describing Baniewicz’s conduct as harmful to children. Valdez emphasized her ongoing commitment to child safety, stating, “I have no intention of letting up on that goal of keeping children safe and advocating for change and accountability.”
Historical context
Baniewicz served as Maur Hill’s president from 2010 to 2023 and coached the baseball team to a 133‑77 record, according to the archdiocesan newspaper The Leaven. The field was originally named in his honor in 2022, recognizing his contributions to the school’s athletics program.
Despite the board’s decision, the academy has not issued a public announcement or posted a notice on its website or social media. Kelsey expressed disappointment that the community was left without a formal statement, noting the financial cost of installing and now removing the sign.
Next steps
The school board has not disclosed a new name for the field, leaving the signage currently blank. Community members continue to monitor the situation, hoping for transparent communication from the academy regarding future naming decisions.
Local officials and parents alike see the removal as a step toward restoring trust and ensuring a safe environment for students. The board’s action aligns with broader efforts across the diocese to address past misconduct and reinforce protective measures for minors.
Original reporting: KSHB 41 Kansas City (local) — read the source article.
