Bishop Announces Adjustments to Catholic School Systems (Includes Video of Bishop’s Announcement)
Fulfilling his commitment to announce the configuration of Diocesan Catholic Schools, specifically schools in the Holy Cross System (based in Lackawanna and Bradford Counties) and the Holy Redeemer System (based in Luzerne County) by mid-April, Bishop Bambera addressed a gathering of invited school representatives, including pastors, principals, teachers and parents, system board members, and members of the Diocesan Finance Council and Priests’ Council Monday night at St. Maria Goretti Parish Center, Laflin. The meeting was a culmination of a process begun by Bishop Bambera in 2010 designed to position the Diocese to provide a stable, sustainable Catholic school system that is spiritually sound and academically excellent while also fulfilling the Bishop’s vision for Catholic Schools to continue to be a vital mission of the Church and the Diocese of Scranton.
Before the announcement, the Bishop met with all school principals and pastors with a school in their area; and immediately following the announcement he met with the parents, principals and priests directly connected to the schools primarily affected by the new configuration.
In consideration of the high level of interest in the announcement and the limited space available at the parish center, the Bishop’s gathering was videotaped and aired later that night on Catholic Television: CTV. The video was also posted on the Diocesan website at www.dioceseofscranton.org where it can be viewed.
In making his announcement, Bishop Bambera reminded those in attendance that since he last met with them on January 20th, members of his leadership team and diocesan staff have continued to evaluate and analyze data, specifically related to enrollment, capacity of buildings, finances and geography (proximity of buildings to each other). Of particular concern is that there are approximately 2,000 empty seats in these two school systems, which means that enrollment is far below capacity; the current level of parish subsidy is over 23% of parish income for most parishes, which is no longer realistic; and over the years the Diocese has infused almost $19 million dollars of Diocesan funds into its School System, including approximately $9.2 million in the Holy Cross and Holy Redeemer Systems. In an attempt to address these concerns while bringing stability to our schools and parishes, Bishop Bambera had previously announced a three-year tuition plan as well as an expectation to reduce parish subsidy to 15% over a number of years. He also encouraged families to register their children as enrollment data would be critical to the planning process. The initial registration period for the 2011/2012 school year ended on March 4th.
The Bishop shared his appreciation for the number of people who did register their children by the established March 4th deadline. While the schools achieved a positive 90% retention rate, a large discrepancy between enrollment and capacity continues to exist. This reality made it obvious that adjustments had to be made in both systems. Those factors along with school finances and proximity to other schools were used in determining the reconfiguration of the system.
Consequently, in order to maintain the viability of the system into the future, students from Gate of Heaven School (Dallas), St. Mary Assumption School (Pittston), Marian Catholic School (Scranton) and Sacred Heart School (Carbondale) will be welcomed into other school communities for the 2011/2012 school year as those buildings will close.
Bishop Bambera commented that the closure of any school is difficult for our school families, faculty and administration and the parish community, all of whom have supported these schools with loyalty and dedication. He stressed his commitment to provide Catholic education in the Diocese and reminded all that the decisions made are not an indication of the quality of the schools that will close, but rather are based on what is believed to be the best composition of the system at this time. He assured those in attendance that a seat is available for every student currently enrolled in the four affected schools and that, despite the “heaviness in our hearts” at having to close any school, these decisions do not diminish our continued commitment to Catholic school education.
Bishop Bambera spoke of the processes that are in place for transition events such as student placement and staffing. The principals at each affected school will have a parent meeting on Tuesday, April 12th to review critical transition issues, including the facilitation of a student placement process and to answer additional questions. School staffing will be completed once registration is finalized. In addition to the principals, members of the Diocesan leadership team, specifically Father John Lambert, V.E., Episcopal Vicar for School Planning, and Kathleen Hanlon, Diocesan Secretary for Catholic Schools/Superintendent of Schools, will be assisting families and employees throughout the transition and are available to address questions and concerns.
Immediately following the announcement, Bishop Bambera convened a smaller gathering of representatives from the four affected school communities needing, as he stated, to be with those who are “experiencing loss, fear and hurt.” He expressed gratitude to those who have chosen to blend their child’s academic and spiritual development in accordance with the educational mission and ministry of the Catholic Church. The Bishop conveyed confidence that the new configuration of both the Holy Cross and Holy Redeemer Systems will allow for stable, sustainable Catholic schools as we move forward, he asked for prayers as we continue to work together and he thanked the many dedicated people throughout the Diocese who steadfastly support Catholic education.
