OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
DIOCESE OF SCRANTON
400 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton,  PA  18503 

570-207-2219  

September 7, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Diocese Will Modify Reorganization Plan
 for Hazleton Catholic Schools

 Because of new information regarding renovation costs and an impending strategic planning process for all of its Catholic schools, the Diocese of Scranton has announced some modifications to its plan for a regional school system in Hazleton.

The plan as announced in February called for the regionalization of the four elementary schools into one system comprised of two elementary schools and Bishop Hafey Junior/Senior High School to serve grades Pre-K through 12. The system would be supported by all parishes in the region.

Under that plan, Holy Trinity School closed in June due to its minimal enrollment. St. Joseph School, Transfiguration School and Holy Spirit Academy would remain open. At the end of the 2005-06 academic year, Holy Spirit Academy would be closed, leaving St. Joseph and Transfiguration to serve the area. St. Joseph would be renovated to eventually accommodate more students.

The renovation of St. Joseph was originally estimated to cost $250,000. Further analysis by the Burkavage Design Associates architectural firm has revealed that those costs could increase to $400,000 or more due to building code updates and other work-related improvements that were not anticipated in the original estimate.

In addition, the Diocese recently announced it will soon embark on a strategic planning period that will focus on the strengthening and preservation of Catholic education in all geographic areas of the Diocese.

The process, which will begin this fall, will involve planning committees from parishes and schools comprised of educators and community leaders. These committees will analyze the specific aspects of Catholic education in each region, such as Catholic identity, enrollment trends, demographics, finances, physical structures and other distinct features that might pertain to a given area.

The planning process will also study the potential need for future Catholic schools in areas with growing populations.

“In light of these circumstances, the most prudent course of action at this time is to revise our plans for Hazleton to meet present needs and also be able to respond to future needs,” said Joseph G. Casciano, Diocesan Secretary for Catholic Education/Superintendent of Catholic Schools.

After consultation with the pastors, Most Rev. Joseph F. Martino, D.D., Hist. E.D., Bishop of Scranton, has agreed to forego the plans for the renovation of St. Joseph School until the Diocesan Strategic Planning Committee presents its findings to him in the fall of 2006.

Parents and faculty were informed of the decision on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

“We concluded that it was best to view this from a larger perspective. We are grateful to everyone who has worked with us to create a unified school system, and who will continue to help us define the future direction of Catholic education in this region,” said Rev. Joseph J. Evanko, on behalf of the Board of Pastors of the Hazleton Catholic Elementary School system.

Meanwhile, the system will consist of the St. Joseph, Transfiguration and Holy Spirit campuses for this academic year. At present, enrollment at the three campuses is stable with transfers from the former Holy Trinity School and new students. The buildings have no deficiencies that would affect safety.

 The future composition of the system will be determined by the viability of those schools and the results of the strategic planning process.

 “Our ultimate goal, of course, is to preserve and strengthen Catholic education so that it is available and affordable for parents in this region and throughout the Diocese,” Mr. Casciano said.