The ad hoc advisory committee was co-chaired by John McHugh from St. Joseph’s, and Marlene Anderson-Butler from Kingston Catholic. McHugh said they put together a solid plan to reduce school deficits while increasing enrollment as two separate schools. He said his committee convinced the diocese by showing various models of the schools losing money by the merger.
“It is well-known that anytime there is a merger, people leave the school, especially when they are forced into a new school that they didn’t choose.” He said they estimated a loss of 5 to 35 percent of students, depending on different models with different administrators or campuses.
Since each school is experiencing a boom in enrollment, both campuses remaining open would guarantee a further increase. “What I took away from this was that even though both schools are neighbors, we are still worlds apart, but we actually need each other,” said McHugh. “Because both of us must do well for the other to stay open.”
McHugh said he plans to pursue sharing curriculum designs, staff, and sharing other costs such as advertising, marketing and web design. McHugh was impressed that archdiocese gave the communities the chance to present their case, and listened. “I think that’s more than you can expect from any large organization these days.”
“I am thrilled with the decision,” said Kingston Catholic parent, Michael Frances Locasio, who was not a fan of the proposed merger. “Absolutely thrilled. I am glad they got to see the truth about our commitment to education and spirituality. Praise God!”
Well done, and good photographs.