Plan to combine St. Joseph and Immaculate Heart of Mary schools raises questions

EDITOR:

In my opinion, choosing a Catholic school for my children and making the sacrifices necessary for them to have that opportunity have been an investment in their future. Beyond the faith-based aspects of a Catholic school, St. Joseph School has provided them with a strong academic foundation, service opportunities, athletic experiences and a social network that offers them a sense of extended family that has supported them over the past eight years.

As a mother of three students, a home and school officer, a life-long member of the parish and a former Catholic school teacher, I have concerns regarding the merging process of St. Joseph and Immaculate Heart of Mary schools. Like many parents from our two schools, I want to preserve the aspects that work and ensure that a quality Catholic education can be offered in the future. I am sure that together the two schools can provide strength and support but I continue to question the future of Catholic schools in our area.

My concerns for the school led me to become actively involved in fund raising and activity planning, teaching me much about the strengths that the school possesses. St. Joseph School has a staff of dedicated people who have nurtured and encouraged the students of the school to achieve their goals and become active members of the parish and the community. For proof of this, we only have to look at the alumni of the school who have excelled academically at Ursuline and Fitch High schools. Although these students have come from small classes, they have been able to compete at high levels and are recognized for accomplishments academically, athletically and in the arts.

They have served as parish choir members, eucharistic ministers, altar servers and CCD teachers. How will we provide the students with opportunities to serve in the church while taking the school away from the parish? Should other schools in the Diocese prepare for a similar fate? What happens to Ursuline and Mooney when the schools that feed students into the Catholic high schools have been reduced or eliminated?

Our teachers, principal and secretary have made an effort to get to know each student adding a personal element that would be difficult to duplicate. The staff members have shown their dedication over the years and deserve to be recognized for their service. I will be deeply saddened by the elimination of their positions by an outsider who cannot recognize their sacrifices and dedication to the students of St. Joseph School. We have families who have come together and supported each other in tough times and parents who have sacrificed countless hours volunteering to provide our students with opportunities and experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom.

How will the merger save in operating costs? Who will be involved in the planning or financial committees? How will families who are now considering leaving the school or the parishes as a result of this change be assured that this combining will improve the education of our students? (A recent Notre Dame study shows in a merger situation Catholic Schools lose 40 percent of their students to public education.)

I understand with tough economic times it is difficult to maintain enrollment numbers as many community members are experiencing financial difficulties. All area schools are faced with challenges because of the economy. In spite of this our school has been able to operate without a deficit. I am not questioning the schools ability to come together or the pastors’ intentions. However, I am not convinced that the Diocese of Youngstown continues to value our schools as I am not aware of any efforts that have been made to strengthen or preserve our existing schools in the community. What function does the Diocese Office of Catholic Schools serve? Are there better ways to relieve the parishes who host schools from the financial burden that they incur?

I challenge those who have made this decision to convince me and the many other parents who have similar concerns that this decision was made in the best interest of Catholic education.

PAM JADUE

Austintown