STVM president resigns months after school announces principal to also step down

St. Vincent-St. Mary High School President Leo Hyland, appointed two years ago, has decided to resign as of Friday.

Ralph Trecaso, the school's executive board chairman, said Monday that Hyland's decision is "the result of ongoing conversations" between the board and Hyland.

"Ultimately, we agreed that the most productive path forward for everyone involved – and most importantly, for STVM itself – was a change in leadership," Trecaso said in a letter to parents. "On behalf of the entire board, I want to personally thank Leo Hyland for his service to the mission of STVM. In his two years as president, Leo has come to know and love this community. It is because of his desire to work in the best interest of the school that Leo and I were able to come to this amicable decision."

Hyland did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

Trecaso said the STVM executive board is naming a search committee for a new president, adding Hyland's resignation is part of a larger shift in leadership.

In March, the school announced Principal Kimberlee Gorr would step down at the end of the 2022–23 school year. She had joined the school in 2017 as the dean of academics and became principal in 2019.

"To be sure, this is a time of change and transition for the STVM community as we reset," Trecaso said. "We are going to rebuild our leadership team from the principal to the president. We will be making an announcement soon about the principal position.

"We are not alone, as many schools are similarly engaged in the search process, which can often be lengthy. This may seem daunting, but it is also a time of great opportunity and a new beginning."

Trecaso did not immediately return a message seeking further comment.

Chief Operating Officer Mark Butterworth, who has served in that role since last September, has been named interim president. Trecaso said Butterworth has "extensive experience in a variety of leadership roles, including serving as CFO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton."

Butterworth has also served as COO of CommQuest Services in Canton, a mental health, addiction recovery and social support provider.

'Holy War' with Archbishop Hoban High School suspended

Hyland's short tenure was marked by the stoppage of Akron's so-called "Holy War" football rivalry with Archbishop Hoban High School.

Hyland had cited "unsportsmanlike behavior" as a reason for choosing to not play rival Hoban during the 2023 football regular season. STVM and Hoban could still meet in the Division II playoffs in the fall.

The football rivalry between the two Catholic schools dates back to the 1970s, after St. Vincent and St. Mary merged in 1972.

The rivalry series between the STVM Fighting Irish and Hoban Knights is the subject of a 2017 documentary, "The Akron Holy War" produced by former Green resident Anthony Fanelli, a Hoban graduate.

‘Akron Holy War’: Documentary chronicles football rivalry between Hoban, St. Vincent-St. Mary

St. Vincent-St. Mary decided in February to not renew the rivalry game for at least one season. Hoban President Chris DiMauro said STVM had accused “a member of the Hoban coaching staff” of directing improper language toward the Irish, an allegation DiMauro said Hoban officials apologized for but could not substantiate.

It was the first time since 1995 that the football rivalry had been suspended.

Hoban president: 'Holy War' stoppage stems from STVM accusing a coach of improper language

Eric Marotta can be reached at emarotta@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarottaEric.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: St. Vincent-St. Mary president resigning after 2 years with school