WESTFIELD – In a communication Monday to parishioners and families of parish school students, Fr. Frank Lawlor, pastor, stated that the Parish and Diocese are committed to operating the high school for the 2018-2019 academic year.
The statement went on to reiterate the goal of a minimum 20 students entering as freshman in September even though there are only 15 enrolled at this time.
The edict by Bishop Rozanski when the announcement was made about the future of the school, was that a minimum 30 students were to be enrolled as freshman each successive year beginning in the fall of 2019.
Fr. Lawlor used the e-mailed communication to address rumors and misinformation that appears to be circulated via social media despite requests for updates by The Westfield News in an effort to reach the greater public.
Inquiries last week to both Fr. Lawlor and the diocese about the reconstituted school board were not answered however, in the release on Monday, it was detailed that the school board, “is comprised of our two principals Kathy (Friguglietti) and Juli (Jensen-Derrig), Kim (Jaszek), our recruiting coordinator, Christiana Lovelace, Bob Wilcox, Erin Carrier, Madison Rix, Dave Noonan and 3 people not directly related to the school. The Diocesan School Board By-laws suggest that no more than 1/3 of its members should be parents of current students.”
The communication appeared to highlight plans previously discussed to maintain the feasibility of the high school for the future which included a tuition assistance endowment, transportation, and student recruitment.
When addressing the transportation issue Fr. Lawlor stated that, while they have not given up on the idea, initial information seems to have indicated that the costs for implementing were higher than expected and the cost-benefit for “a handful of students may not be practical.”
The process for advertising and recruiting students has been designated to Kim Jaszek and another open house is being planned for Tuesday May 22nd.
Financial information provided in the communication stated that “St. Mary’s will have a year-end deficit of approximately $250,000.”
The statement did not address how the deficit was reduced from previously reported estimates of close to $400,000.
The recent push back, in conjunction with the successful auction, showed the community’s resolve to keep the school open and those efforts were acknowleged.
“The key to our recruiting success is you! The enthusiasm generated during this [sic] past few months has been great but it must yield students! You, as parents and alumni, are our best recruiters,” said Fr. Lawlor in the statement.
The communication went on to say that there was still an outstanding balance of $150,000 in tuition payments from the current school year, yet it wasn’t clarified whether that was for the high school or for the entire pre-K to grade 12 parish school. Parents were informed that a student with a balance would not be allowed to start the next school year until that debt has been corrected.
In closing, Fr. Lawlor stated that, “I also think that it is important to mention that the “level of discourse” regarding school matters must be raised. The work of saving St. Mary’s cannot be conducted on Face book or in the media.”
“The vitriol and the number of people spreading downright falsehoods must stop. Instead of gossip maybe we should spread a bit of gratitude. This will be a long process and trust and cooperation must be a part of it.”
Fr. Lawlor did not return our calls for comment by press time.
