Mike Riley Appointed New President of Bishop Miege High School

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas names a new leader for the Catholic high school.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas announced that Mike Riley will serve as the new president of Bishop Miege High School, starting on July 1. Riley previously taught social studies at the school nearly 20 years ago and is currently finishing up a fellowship at Notre Dame. The school's Board of Trustees and Executive Search Committee conducted a nationwide search after the previous president, Phil Baniewicz, was removed from his position in 2025.

Why it matters

Bishop Miege High School is a prominent Catholic high school in the Kansas City area, so the appointment of a new president is an important leadership transition for the school and the local community. The previous president's removal also raised questions about the school's governance and Catholic identity that the new president will need to address.

The details

Riley will take over as president of Bishop Miege High School on July 1 after completing a fellowship at Notre Dame. He previously taught social studies at the school nearly 20 years ago. The school's Board of Trustees and Executive Search Committee conducted a nationwide search after the previous president, Phil Baniewicz, was removed from his position in 2025 following an investigation by the Catholic Schools Office and the Office for Protection and Care.

  • The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas announced Riley's appointment on February 17, 2026.
  • Riley will start his new role as president on July 1, 2026.
  • Baniewicz was removed as president in June 2025 and restricted from active ministry a week later.

The players

Mike Riley

The new president of Bishop Miege High School, who previously taught at the school nearly 20 years ago and is currently finishing up a fellowship at Notre Dame.

Phil Baniewicz

The former president of Bishop Miege High School who was removed from his position in 2025 following an investigation by the Catholic Schools Office and the Office for Protection and Care.

Shawn McKnight

The Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas who recommended Riley for the president role.

Holly Bentley

The Bishop Miege High School Board President who said the school's search for Baniewicz's replacement included hundreds of candidates.

Bridget Morris

A Bishop Miege High School alumna and Board of Trustees Vice Chair who said Riley is a "transformational leader" ready to guide the school.

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What they’re saying

“In recommending Mr. Riley, the Board of Trustees recognized in him a servant leader committed to fostering a school community where students are supported and formed in faith.”

— Shawn McKnight, Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas (kshb.com)

“When we launched the search for our president, our commitment was to find a leader who would strengthen our school community and guide us into the future. Mr. Riley not only embodies the mission and vision of our school community, but is dedicated to creating opportunities for students to thrive both academically and spiritually.”

— Holly Bentley, Bishop Miege High School Board President (kshb.com)

“He is a transformational leader who is ready to collaborate with leadership and benefactors to continue to grow the Miege tradition of success.”

— Bridget Morris, Bishop Miege High School alumna and Board of Trustees Vice Chair (kshb.com)

What’s next

Riley will finish his participation in the ACE Principal Academy Cabrini Fellowship at Notre Dame before starting his new role as president of Bishop Miege High School on July 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The appointment of Mike Riley as the new president of Bishop Miege High School represents an important leadership transition for the prominent Catholic school, as it seeks to strengthen its Catholic identity and values while guiding the school into the future under new stewardship.