What is the future for archdiocesan Catholic schools? That question can be asked with apprehension as some fear the Catholic school system’s demise is imminent, and are looking for something or someone to blame.
Some place responsibility on the shoulders of government, others talk of "changing times" and pluralism, still others blame the economy and the shrinking tax base.
Catholic pastors in the 11-parish Racine community recently formed the Task Force for Catholic Education. Initially intended to deal with effects of the priest shortage,
the committee is working to bring parishes into closer collaboration, said Diana Lesnjak, principal at St. Rita Elementary School.
The task force plans to centralize Catholic education in the Racine area, and schools involved in the committee agree to adhere to all of the changes in the accepted model. Some changes might include staff and administration, possible relocation of students to other buildings, and curriculum and tuition changes.
Burlington's two Catholic grade schools are unaffected for now.
"We are very blessed here," she [Sr. Margaret Pietsch, principal at St. Charles School] said. "First of all, we have a strong Catholic community supporting our schools."
"Secondly, the Rewald Foundation, established years ago, provides tuition grants for families who choose to send their kids to private schools."
Subscribe to
Posts [Atom]