School reorganization finalized

After considering all the opinions, concerns and recommendations sent to him by members of the Schenectady community, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard has reviewed the proposal for strengthening Catholic schools in Schenectady and endorsed the reorganization plan formulated by principals and pastors of the parishes there.

A great deal of consultation preceded the final decision:

* The diocesan Superintendent of Schools held a meeting on Jan. 21, during which the questions and suggestions of more than 400 parents and guardians were addressed;

* Another meeting was held soon after for St. Paul's and St. Anthony's families to assuage their concerns; and

* The Bishop shared letters he received from concerned families with the Diocesan School Board and Catholic School Office administrators so they could better understand what parents value about their child's Catholic school experience and what they hope for the future of Catholic education.

"We want to assure everyone that the values and traditions so prized by the community will be preserved as we move forward," said Sister Mary Jane Herb, IHM, superintendent. "We know that parents want small classes where the individual needs of each child are met. They let us know that it's the warm and friendly family atmosphere of their schools and caring teachers that make a difference. We intend to keep those qualities intact."

The reorganization will include:

* establishing one central middle school (grades 6-8) at Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School;

* consolidating elementary schools from five to three campuses, including St. Helen's, St. John the Evangelist and St. Luke's;

* closing St. Anthony's and St. Paul the Apostle schools; and

* creating one regional school board to oversee all Schenectady diocesan schools.

One of that board's first orders of business will be to develop a standard tuition structure. Debra Damm O'Brien, former president of the Diocesan School Board, will act as chair and help oversee the advisory committee during the transition period. The board will also oversee development and strategic planning for the schools.

The superintendent, pastors, principals and the advisory committee continue to flesh out registration and tuition details for the 2004-'05 school year. Many families from St. Anthony's and St. Paul's have indicated interest in St. Helen's, St. John's or St. Luke's.

The Catholic School Office said that details regarding administrators will be determined in early March and that every effort is being made to ensure that teachers who wish to continue teaching in a Catholic school will be given the opportunity to do so.

"We are working diligently to help facilitate a smooth transition for students and parents for the new school year," Sister Jane said, adding that the most important thing is to make Catholic education available to the children and families who seek it.

"Change is challenging," she noted, "but it is time for all of us to work together to bring new life and spirit into our schools. Catholic education has a rich history in Schenectady County, and our ultimate goal is to continue making Catholic education a viable option there."

(2/26/04) [[In-content Ad]]