Statement Regarding Ms. Verity A. Beck
Ms. Verity A. Beck, most recently employed as a teacher at Saint Katherine School of Special Education in Wynnewood, was arrested and faces criminal charges for allegedly murdering her parents.
Ms. Beck had not been present in school since the Christmas break. Neither school administration nor the Archdiocese had any indication that she was potentially involved in acts of this nature.
We are horrified and shocked by this matter. She has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal process. The school, the Office of Catholic Education, and the Archdiocese are cooperating with law enforcement in the course of its work.
The safety and protection of every child in our schools is always our primary concern. Prior to beginning service at Saint Katherine’s last January, Ms. Beck produced criminal background checks and child abuse clearances, neither of which showed any prior misconduct. In addition, no complaints of any kind were lodged against her during her brief time with the Saint Katherine School community.
Understanding the traumatic nature of this news, we are providing counseling services to anyone at Saint Katherine School who may need them and are exploring additional modes of support. All of the above information was shared with school families earlier this week. We pray for all those suffering as a result of these acts.
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Contact:
Contact: Kenneth A. Gavin
Chief Communications Officer
215-587-3747 (office)