Some Points Regarding Reorganization
of Catholic Schools Are Clarified
 

As the review of Meitler Consultants’ preliminary recommendations for Catholic schools in Lackawanna, Wayne and Luzerne Counties continues, a number of questions have arisen regarding details of the plan and how it would affect particular programs of the institutions.

While many specifics of the reorganization cannot be determined until the final plan is approved, some issues are in the process of being resolved, according to Joseph Casciano, Diocesan Secretary for Catholic Education/Superintendent of Schools.

Mr. Casciano offered the following points regarding concerns raised by parents, students and others associated with the schools:

·         Middle States Accreditation will not be affected by the proposed changes. 

·         Preliminary discussions have been held with the PIAA and the various athletic
  conferences, and they have agreed to work with the Diocese to determine the
  necessary adjustments to provide for the continuation of athletic programs.

·         In the case of high school juniors who may be attending another school next
  year, they will retain their class rank and honors such as valedictorian, etc.
  Also, they can choose to receive a diploma from either their former or new
  school.

·         These same arrangements have been made with Marian Catholic High School in
  Hometown, if the proposed plan to close Bishop Hafey High School in
  Hazleton is approved and students from Hafey choose to enroll at Marian.

·         The Diocese continues to meet with teacher representatives and the various
  unions that represent some faculty to discuss employment issues.

Bishop Martino will promulgate the final plan for Lackawanna, Wayne and Luzerne Counties by the end of January.  Implementation of the plan will begin at that time.

Mr. Casciano noted that whatever form the plan eventually takes, it will affect every school in some way. For example, he said, if the consultants’ recommendation to form regional systems is accepted, there will be a new governance model for all schools, regardless of which sites remain in use.

“Whether some aspects of these recommendations change or not, we will be implementing a major reorganization,” he said. “This will be a complex process, and every detail cannot be resolved overnight. So we are asking everyone to be patient and understanding, and to work with us to ensure a transition that is as smooth as possible for our students, families and faculties.”

Mr. Casciano reminded everyone that the overall goal of the Strategic Planning Process is to preserve and advance Catholic education by developing a system of schools that are stable and viable over the long term. This will necessarily require people to adjust their perception of the Catholic school system.

“As the Bishop has said, we all need to think in terms of ‘our schools’ rather than ‘my school," he said.