April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST

Schenectady school to close

On March 18, the Albany Diocese issued the following press release:

A decision has been made to close St. John the Evangelist School in Schenectady at the end of the current school year as a result of shrinking enrollment and the continued strain on available resources from the parish.

In a letter to parents, diocesan superintendent of schools Sister Mary Jane Herb, IHM, said: "The diocesan school board reviewed the recommendation of Rev. [Richard] Carlino and the parish finance committee,...the recommendation by [principal] Marie Keenan and the plans put forward by the St. John's school board.

"Unfortunately, the anticipated low enrollment and the continued reliance on the parish for increased financial support does not support viability for the school."

In addition, Sister Jane observed that "despite the sacrifices that parents make to pay tuition and the increased fundraising efforts, the school would need to rely on the increased financial support of the parish. The parish is not able to sustain the increased reliance of the school for financial support."

Registration for next year at this time is 84 students, far less than half of what had been enrolled just six years earlier.

Sister Jane assured parents that "we are committed to working with each family to ensure continuation of a Catholic education at St. Helen's, St. Madeleine Sophie, Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons or any of our Catholic schools."

She added: "I am confident that all children will be able to continue their education in a Catholic school. We will also work with the teachers who are interested in teaching in a Catholic school."

Sister Jane pointed out that our region is not unique in facing enrollment issues. A recent report by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) revealed that economics and shifting populations have played a major role in Catholic school closings across the U.S. Overall enrollment dipped nationwide.

The decision to close the school was approved by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard following a recommendation from the diocesan school board, based on the enrollment numbers and communications from St. John the Evangelist School and parish.

The 24 Catholic schools in the Albany Diocese -- 20 elementary schools and four high schools -- currently enroll a combined total of 5,000 students. For more information, visit www.higherpoweredlearning.org.[[In-content Ad]]

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