It is our understanding that on Friday, December 4, 2009, police in Marlton, New Jersey filed a weapons charge against Mr. Brandon Holiday, a teacher at Cardinal O'Hara High School. It is our further understanding that there is an ongoing investigation in Delaware County into Mr. Holiday's interactions with a minor. No charges have been filed regarding the latter investigation.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Catholic Education and Cardinal O'Hara High School immediately placed Mr. Holiday on administrative leave on Friday, December 4th, pending the police investigation.

We first learned of this investigation last week from police. They contacted the school in the course of their investigation. The school has been cooperating fully with authorities and will continue to do so.

Mr. Holiday has been a science teacher at Cardinal O'Hara High School since the 2007-2008 school year. He previously served as a substitute teacher at Little Flower Catholic High School from January to June 2007. He had participated in the Archdiocesan Safe Environment training and had all of the necessary background checks.

Ms. Mary E. Rochford, Superintendent of Catholic Education, said, "We are devastated to learn of these allegations. We have sent letters to school families because we want parents to hear this news directly from us. If students feel they need to talk about these events in the days ahead the school guidance offices have resources to offer support and outreach. Every day we work to protect young people at all of our schools and provide them with a safe and caring learning environment. Nothing is more important than the safety and security of the young people in our care."

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747