Albany Diocese looks at restructuring Albany Catholic Schools

The Diocese of Albany Catholic Schools

The Albany Diocese is exploring the future of several Catholic schools with some potential restructuring that could impact All Saints Catholic Academy, Blessed Sacrament School and Mater Christi School.

“For more than a year now, the Catholic School Office has been working with the pastor and principals of All Saints Catholic Academy, Blessed Sacrament and Mater Christi Schools, as well as trustees of the parishes associated with those schools, discussing how to provide sustainable Catholic education in the city of Albany,” the Diocese said in a statement.

The statement continued: “Dr. Christopher Bott, Catholic Schools Superintendent for the Diocese, Fr. Bob Longobucco, Vicar for Education for the Diocese, and the pastor and principals for the three schools, have already addressed other Albany pastors, parish trustees, and teachers from those schools to share the current scenario and proposals being considered."

A meeting is organized for Tuesday, Feb. 25 at St. Vincent de Paul Church at 6 p.m. for parents and school community members to come and learn more about the problem, the process, and provide potential solutions, adding that “community feedback is invaluable and will be solicited at the meeting.”

“Currently all three schools offer Pre-K through 8th grade. The plan is for the three schools to work more closely together rather than separately and it’s already happening. Resources are being streamlined between the three schools now. They have a common Accounting and Human Resource office, common sports teams, even student life, joining together for events such as retreats, student dances, and food drives.”

School parents have expressed fears about the possible restructuring. One proposal suggests converting All Saints into a middle school only, keeping the two other schools PreK-5, while other outcomes could include closing one of the three schools.

Ahead of dismissal last week at All Saints, parents gathered to raise awareness about the potential changes and encouraged others to sign letters addressed to the diocese.

The Diocese is expected to decide on the schools by March 15.

“Any recommendations must go before the Diocesan School Board and the Bishop who will make the final decision,” the statement added. “The collaboration between the three schools so far has demonstrated that we can be better together."