Schenectady schools facing demographic challenges

As part of an ongoing strategic planning process in all diocesan schools, the Diocese of Albany's superintendent of Catholic Schools last year announced the Schenectady Initiative to enhance the viability of schools there.

To further that effort, forums were held recently for pastors, principals, staffs and parents to present strategies, solicit input, and address questions and concerns. More than 200 people attended.

Parents were informed that, for the past five years, Schenectady's enrollment figures have declined 20 percent. There are five elementary schools in the area: St. Helen's, St. John the Evangelist, St. Anthony's, St. Luke's and St. Paul's. There is also a sixth grade at Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School. They have a combined enrollment of 825 students, down from 970 last year.

Demographers predict that Schenectady's population will continue to decline, indicating that enrollment is likely to drop another 25 to 30 percent over the next five years.

Being proactive

"Times are changing, and we can either sit back and let things happen, or we can be proactive and restructure our system so that it is fiscally sound and effectively meets the needs of our children and families," said Sister Mary Jane Herb, IHM, diocesan superintendent.

"The statistics were quite revealing," said Scott Kilburn, a board member at St. Helen's School. "How can you argue with numbers? It is clear that something has to be done, and now it is just a question of what."

Paul Martin, school board president at St. Helen's, noted that "change is a sensitive issue. It is important that Sister Jane sought input from parents, faculties and school boards early in the process, rather than instituting change without consulting with us first."

Goals

The Schenectady Initiative calls for the establishment of a planning subcommittee of pastors and principals. The committee will analyze current school configurations, identify improvements needed and explore the feasibility of creating a regional board to oversee all schools.

The board, along with school representatives, will consider creating an office of development specifically for Schenectady schools. The board will also develop a common tuition structure and financial aid application to ensure that assistance is provided to families who could not otherwise afford a Catholic education.

"This is a critical time for Catholic education," Sister Jane explained. "Now, more than ever before, we need to sustain our schools to provide a values-based education in order to prepare young people for the future. With so many options available, it is time to renew our schools to remain a viable option for parents as they are faced with the challenge of choosing the best educational opportunity for their children."

The next steps include developing a specific proposal in November/December, a presentation in January to introduce the proposal to the public, and a formal recommendation in February to the Diocesan School Board and Bishop Howard J. Hubbard.

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

(11/13/03) [[In-content Ad]]