General News: Future of St. Thomas School Uncertain
November 09, 2010
The Archdiocese of New York has identified St. Thomas of Canterbury School in Cornwall-on-Hudson as of one of four Orange County parochial schools at risk for closure in a new report issued Tuesday.
“Declining enrollment and rising tuition are key challenges facing those school at-risk,’” Dr. Timothy J. McNiff, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese said in a prepared statement. “These under-enrolled schools require significant financial support from the archdiocese, which cannot be sustained indefinitely.”
The assessment was made by a committee composed of pastors, principals, parents and representatives of the archdiocese that considered many factors, including enrollment trends, financial subsidies, infrastructure, test scores, future demographics, and ability of students to attend a nearby school. Based on this analysis, the committee has designated 31 out of 185 parish and archdiocesan elementary schools and one secondary school as “at-risk.” Local pastors and principals can still appeal the ruling.
In addition to St. Thomas, the committee also identified Sacred Heart in Highland Falls, St. Joseph in New Windsor and St. Joseph in Middletown as at risk. A final decision on the future of each of the schools is expected in January 2011.
Comments:
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Was very saddened to learn that St. Thomas Elem. School is at risk of closure. These schools are very much needed in society and the outcome is very scary.
posted by kathleen mulrenin downs on 11/10/10 at 10:41 AM
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