Gay drama coach can stay at Eastside Catholic, offered a raise

Jan 10, 2014, 8:59 AM | Updated: 10:03 am
Stephanie Merrow (left) plans to marry her partner of five years, Jenny, in August. (Image courtesy Stephanie Merrow)
(left)

The Eastside Catholic drama coach who feared for her job after coming out as gay on The Ron and Don Show now says she is being embraced by the school’s administration and was even offered a raise.

Stephanie Merrow met with principal Polly Skinner Thursday afternoon. She described the meeting in positive terms and said the principal was “warm, welcoming, and kind.”

“They made me feel valued. She told me she was happy that I’m there,” said Merrow, who will continue working on the upcoming Eastside Catholic production of “Guys and Dolls,” set to debut in March.

The choreographer decided to go public with her sexuality following student protests over the firing of Vice Principal Mark Zmuda. Eastside Catholic argued he violated church teachings after marrying a man.

Merrow plans to wed her partner of five years in August. On Thursday, the school’s administration presented her with a contract to clarify her employment status.

“It’s very clear that I’m an independent contractor and that I’m seasonal,” Merrow explained. “They actually gave me a little raise.”

An attorney for Eastside Catholic, Mike Patterson, confirmed to KIRO Radio that a part-time worker like Merrow is not subject to the same policy that prompted the school to fire Zmuda.

“She’s contractual, she’s a consultant, she’s part-time, and she’s seasonal,” said Patterson.

The prohibition on gay marriage still stands for full-time staff members at Eastside Catholic.

“Same sex marriages are not recognized by the Catholic Church as being acceptable,” said Patterson. “Since we want to remain a Catholic identity compliant school, we are abiding by those requirements.”

While she does not agree with Zmuda’s dismissal, Merrow thinks the school should be allowed to adhere to Catholic teachings.

“I have my beliefs and values. They’re allowed to have their beliefs and values,” she told Ron and Don.

Despite the vocal protests by students, Mike Patterson said there have not been incidents of parents pulling their kids out of the private school, or withholding donations. “We’re finding significant support for the fact that we stood up for our principals as a Catholic school.”

But Merrow sees progress in the school’s decision to retain her.

“I’m impressed with the fact that they are keeping me. I think it says that the kids made a difference.”

Related:
Eastside Catholic staff member defends job status
Eastside Catholic staff member comes out on The Ron and Don Show

Local News

weekend...
Nate Connors

Weekend Traffic Report: NCAA March Madness comes to town

NCAA Women's Basketball is heading to Climate Pledge Arena Friday through Monday. Friday's game starts at 4:30 p.m.
18 hours ago
Narasimhan...
Bill Kaczaraba

Starbucks CEO Narasimhan plans to ‘reinvent’ the company

Starbucks new CEO Laxman Narasimhan held his first shareholder meeting Thursday and offered proposals to reinvent the company.
18 hours ago
(KIRO 7)...
KIRO 7 News Staff

Aurora borealis captured in night skies across Washington

Although the aurora was hidden behind clouds, parts of the region were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the display.
18 hours ago
abducted...
Frank Sumrall

10-month-old girl found after being abducted near Des Moines area

Washington State Patrol (WSP) searched and found a 10-month-old Gihanna Smith, who was allegedly abducted.
18 hours ago
Borracchini...
Frank Sumrall

Remo Borracchini, owner of beloved 100-year-old bakery, dies at 92

But, like many other local community establishments, Borracchini’s had to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
18 hours ago
seattle humane...
Nicole Jennings

Pet surrenders up at Seattle Humane, not likely to slow down

The number of pets being surrendered at Seattle Humane is on the rise. Many people can no longer afford to keep their dogs and cats.
18 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Emergency Preparedness...

Prepare for the next disaster at the Emergency Preparedness Conference

Being prepared before the next emergency arrives is key to preserving businesses and organizations of many kinds.
SHIBA volunteer...

Volunteer to help people understand their Medicare options!

If you’re retired or getting ready to retire and looking for new ways to stay active, becoming a SHIBA volunteer could be for you!
safety from crime...

As crime increases, our safety measures must too

It's easy to be accused of fearmongering regarding crime, but Seattle residents might have good reason to be concerned for their safety.
Comcast Ready for Business Fund...
Ilona Lohrey | President and CEO, GSBA

GSBA is closing the disparity gap with Ready for Business Fund

GSBA, Comcast, and other partners are working to address disparities in access to financial resources with the Ready for Business fund.
SHIBA WA...

Medicare open enrollment is here and SHIBA can help!

The SHIBA program – part of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner – is ready to help with your Medicare open enrollment decisions.
Lake Washington Windows...

Choosing Best Windows for Your Home

Lake Washington Windows and Doors is a local window dealer offering the exclusive Leak Armor installation.
Gay drama coach can stay at Eastside Catholic, offered a raise