YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - As the search begins for a new principal at Cardinal Mooney High School there is some new information on why John Young was let go from that post earlier this month.

A letter addressed to members of the Cardinal Mooney family says that with the decision to keep the school at its current location, the Catholic Schools Office determined that in order to take the academic programs to new levels of excellence, a change was necessary.

The joint statement, signed by John Young, Mooney President Father Gerald DeLucia, and Superintendent Mary Fiala, did not elaborate on the reasons why it was thought that Young was not able lead the school to those goals.

The statement says that the former principal disagrees with the reasons for the change, but acknowledges that those reasons were discussed with him, according to the letter.

When he was let go, Young told 21 News that school officials gave him the option of retiring or resigning. He said that he declined either option.

At that time, Young called on the Diocese to issue a statement on his termination as an explanation to alumni, students and parents.

The statement issued on Wednesday contends that under state law, an employer cannot divulge the details of an employee's personnel record to the public.

Fr. DeLucia's letter says that Young's departure is in no way related to any alleged illegal, criminal or immoral conduct on the part of Young.

The letter says that Young expressed gratitude that the Diocese had offered to honor the financial terms of his contract.

The statement says that Bishop George Murry, Father DeLucia and the Office of Catholic Schools are grateful for Young's service for the past three and a half years at Mooney.

21 News has reached out to those who signed the letter, but have not received a response.

Since his termination, there have been a couple of student demonstrations showing support for Young.

Assistant Principal Mark Vollmer has assumed the duties of principal until a permanent replacement can be found.

A two year fund raising effort to move Cardinal Mooney High School from the South Side of Youngstown to Boardman ended last Spring when Bishop Murry announced that the campaign to raise $23 million to fund the move had fallen $9 million short.

The joint statement concludes by noting that through the efforts of Fr.DeLucia, the school has secured a number of what it called "substantial" financial gifts that will be used to improve the building and provide more tuition assistance.

You can find a copy of the joint statement on the Cardinal Mooney website by following this link