Former Bishop Miege High School president Phil Baniewicz can no longer hold any job, volunteer role or ministry position involving children or vulnerable adults in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
Archbishop Shawn McKnight signed a canonical decree Aug. 13, formalizing the permanent restriction after an independent investigation examined 16 allegations of misconduct spanning roughly 40 years. The archdiocese publicly announced the action Aug. 20.
The investigation, conducted by an outside firm retained through independent legal counsel, included 68 interviews, forensic interview support from the Child Protection Center in Kansas City and consultation with law enforcement across multiple jurisdictions, according to the archdiocese's official announcement in The Leaven.
Investigators found what the archdiocese described as a consistent pattern of "imprudent professional conduct," repeated failures to maintain appropriate boundaries with minors, deficient safeguarding practices and conduct incompatible with standards expected of those serving children. Complainants' accounts showed "a substantial degree of consistency," according to KCTV5's reporting, and most had no apparent connection to one another.
The allegations covered Baniewicz's work across four roles: youth minister in Mesa, Arizona (1985–1993); senior officer for Life Teen, Inc. (1993–2006); president of Maur Hill Mount Academy in Kansas (2010–2023); and president of Bishop Miege (2023–2025).
No criminal charges have been filed.
The archdiocese said the investigation did not establish the level of certainty required under Church law to begin a formal canonical disciplinary process but revealed a pattern serious enough to require administrative action.
How it unfolded
The Bishop Miege Board of Trustees placed Baniewicz on administrative leave June 5, 2025, citing concerns about his ability to oversee a safe environment. McKnight simultaneously announced a full investigation.
Twelve days later, on June 17, 2025, a new allegation of inappropriate behavior with a minor surfaced, and Baniewicz was restricted from all active ministry in the archdiocese and placed on a safety plan.
On Aug. 6, 2025, the board determined new leadership was in the community's best interest and ended Baniewicz's employment. Joe Schramp stepped in as interim president.
Earlier reporting on Baniewicz
KSHB 41 reporter Sarah Plake first reported on Baniewicz when he was hired at Miege in 2023, including allegations that he sexually abused a teenager in the 1980s in Mesa. Former students at Maur Hill Mount Academy later came forward with their own allegations. Two of those former students, Taylor Kelsey and Parker Valdez, told KSHB 41 they gave statements in forensic interviews at the Child Protection Center during winter 2025-2026.
KSHB 41 reported it never received a response from Baniewicz after multiple attempts to reach him over three years.
What the archbishop said
"The protection of minors and persons in vulnerable situations is fundamental to the mission of our church," McKnight said in a statement released Aug. 20. He added that those who exercise authority in the Church must be held to the highest moral standards of the faith.
Baniewicz's existing safety plan remains in place under the new decree.
The archdiocese is encouraging anyone with information about misconduct involving a church volunteer, employee, religious member or clergy member to contact civil authorities first, then report to the archdiocese's confidential line at 913-276-8703.
