Statement Regarding the Future of St. Michael’s School in Wyoming County
September 2007
 

After many months of careful consideration, Most Rev. Joseph F. Martino, D.D., Hist. E.D., Bishop of Scranton, has come to a definitive decision regarding St. Michael’s School. This decision was made following the important advice provided by members of the institution’s Board of Trustees and after a thorough study of a key evaluation made by the professionals from Girls and Boys Town. It is the Bishop’s conclusion that the mission which St. Michael’s School had in the Diocese of Scranton has changed since the institution was established in 1916. Assisting orphans has not been the mission of St. Michael’s School for several years. The Board recognized, and Bishop Martino agreed, that the operation of the facility is beyond the ability of the Diocese to manage.

      In view of this determination, Monsignor Joseph P. Kelly, Diocesan Secretary for Catholic Human Services, was authorized to inform the administration and staff that the Diocese will seek to transfer ownership of the institution to a professional organization with an established reputation that could take over the operation of the facility. This announcement was made the afternoon of Sept. 20. Currently, the Diocese is taking steps to have a valuation placed on the business. The Diocese is also making arrangements to have the buildings and property appraised.

The conclusion which was reached was a difficult one, but it was arrived at by the Bishop only after a realistic assessment of the institution had been made.

Information on St. Michael’s School
September 2007 

St. Michael’s School was founded as an orphanage in 1916. By the 1970s, fewer children were placed in orphanages as the foster care system developed. St. Michael’s began accepting students from across the state for care and treatment of behavioral, emotional and abuse problems. Now the students are primarily from Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania.

Currently, St. Michael’s offers diagnostic and treatment programs on the main campus in Hoban Heights (Tunkhannock), and in three community-based group homes in Tunkhannock, Pine Grove and West Pittston. A group home in Williamsport closed in June.

The school is licensed as a residential treatment facility by the Pennsylvania Department of Children and Youth, and the Department of Mental Health. The academic curriculum, which is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, provides primary, secondary and special education programs.

The student population includes 75 at the main campus, 6 males at the Tunkhannock group home, and 8 females at the Pine Grove group home. The West Pittston group home is vacant.

The staff of approximately 200 includes medical personnel, therapists, teachers and maintenance workers.