Chautauqua County’s only Catholic school is in the midst of a transition. With the resignation of Principal Paul Pinto, the Northern Chautauqua Catholic School lost a key leader.

Just like one of his predecessors in Andrew Ludwig, Pinto was a cheerleader and advocate for the institution. “It has been an honor and a privilege to be your principal,” Pinto said in a message to NCCS families. “My door and office are full of cards from students, their artwork and surprise messages from the last 18 months. We cried together, shared in disagreements but only to grow in faith and love for one sole benefit, your children.”

Pinto’s last day was June 30.

In the meantime, the diocese has taken the lead on operations. Though it has the power to do so, it is a drastic change.

For years — especially in the recent turmoil — the diocese has almost had a “hands off” approach with the Dunkirk parochial school. It was up to those locally and connected to keep it running while maintaining a strong Catholic presence.

This new direction, without question, is a sudden change.

Joleen M. Dimitroff, Superintendent of Catholic Schools with the Diocese of Buffalo, said the organization is actively seeking a new principal for the school. She also noted, “I want to be very clear: Northern Chautauqua Catholic School will remain open.”

Dimitroff’s bold statement comes after a lack of financial investment by the diocese to the location through the years. Let’s face it, money is the key piece to having NCCS to thrive and continue to be a major part of this community.

It has a proud — and mighty — tradition. In recent years, it has a proven ability to stand strong.

But a lot of that spirit came from leadership within the school walls. At the moment, that is absent.