Duesterhaus 'No Longer An Employee,' Bishop O'Connell Confirms

Bishop O'Connell High School administrators confirmed on Saturday that Tom Duesterhaus, is no longer an employee at the school.

It's not clear when Duesterhaus, who began teaching English at the school in 1999,  was told about the decision. President Kathleen Prebble said in an e-mail Saturday morning that she could not comment on individual personnel matters, "out of respect for his privacy and in compliance with our policies."

Several teachers at the school contacted by Patch said they could not comment on Duesterhaus or the situation.

Duesterhaus' father, Rich, said earlier this week

Fairfax County Police said

"We share in your concern for Tom Duesterhaus and are praying for his safety," Prebble said. "We are ... committed to helping the civil authorities in any way that will assist them. We are joining with the many people, including faculty and students, who care about Tom and are praying for him."

Abby Albright reported for this story.