Plans made to support Schenectady schools

The Diocese of Albany's superintendent of schools has announced two initiatives to enhance the viability of Catholic schools in Schenectady:

1. providing additional financial assistance to families who wish to send children to Catholic school, and

2. enabling schools in Schenectady to plan to strengthen Catholic education.

Sister Jane Herb, IHM, superintendent, said, "With the recent announcement of the closing of Marian Academy, the tuition assistance will help families who wish a Catholic education."

Tuition assistance will be available for families from the Mont Pleasant/Bellevue neighborhoods to attend any of the six Catholic schools in Schenectady: St. Anthony's, St. Helen's, St. John the Evangelist, St. Luke's, St. Madeleine Sophie and St. Paul the Apostle.

To apply, parents should submit a letter of interest by April 15 to Sister Jane Herb, 40 N. Main Ave., Albany 12203. Those interested must also complete a financial aid application, which can be obtained at Marian Academy, Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel or St. Adalbert's. Applications can also be done at www.factstuitionaid.com.

The second initiative is to create a planning subcommittee of Schenectady-based pastors and principals who will:

* analyze the grade configurations of schools to ensure that the best educational programs are offered, and that efforts will be made to build and strengthen middle school education (grades 6-8);

* explore the feasibility of creating a regional board to oversee all Schenectady schools; and

* develop a common tuition structure and financial aid application to ensure that appropriate assistance is provided to families who could not otherwise afford a Catholic education.

In the fall, Sister Jane will hold forums for parents and school board members to solicit their input.

(For more information or questions, contact Sister Jane at 453-6602.)

(4/10/03) [[In-content Ad]]