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General News: Archdiocese to Close St. Thomas School
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| St. Thomas of Canterbury Parish School. |
January 11, 2011
The Catholic Archdiocese of New York announced today that St. Thomas of Canterbury School in Cornwall-on-Hudson is one of 27 parochial schools that will close at the end of the current school year in June. The closing would mean the end of an educational institution that has schooled thousands of local children since 1917.
Last year, 31 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese were identified as “at-risk” of losing its financial subsidy and given the opportunity to present a proposal for long-term sustainability. A committee reviewed all the proposals and made recommendations to Archbishop Timothy Dolan, who approved the list. Only four of the at-risk schools will remain open.
In a press release, the Archdiocese reports that it will save $10 million by closing the schools. Another $13 million will be dedicated to the operation of the 247 remaining elementary and secondary schools in the Archdiocese.
“We are now required to allocate our resources to support schools that have healthy enrollments, and can sustain themselves over time,” Dr. Timothy J. McNiff, Superintendent of Schools said in the release. “A top priority for the archdiocese will be providing pastoral support and educational guidance to every family personally affected by the process so that all the children now in a school to be closed can be warmly welcomed into a neighboring Catholic school.”
In addition to Saint Thomas of Canterbury Schooll, three Catholic schools will be closed in Orange County: Sacred Heart, in Highland Falls, Saint Joseph, in New Windsor, and Saint Joseph, in Middletown.
The closing of these school prompted state senator to issue a statement saying that he was disappointed by decision and that he had personally writen to the Archbishop on behalf of local Catholic schools.
"I feel these closures will also be devastating to the morale of the Catholic communities in both Orange and Ulster County and I call on the Archbishop to reconsider his decision," Larkin said.
Comments:
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Very sad indeed.
posted by J Klein on 01/11/11 at 9:46 PM
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We are saddened by the news that the Archdiocese has decided to close St. Thomas School. The closing is a real loss to the children and parents of St. Thomas, as well as to our community. This is a very short-sighted decision, which is sure to have a strong inpact on the Catholic church now and in the future. In the past, Catholic schools were the anchors that held neighborhoods together. Now there are very few left and we are losing more each year.
Where will the parents who want their children educated in the Catholic faith send their children now? Where will these fine, dedicated teachers and principals be able to teach now?
We'd like to know if there is anything that can still be done - for instance, why can't St. Thomas and St. Joseph of New Windsor come together to form a new school? Why can't the Catholic church with all its vast resourses, keep more schools open?
We are very disappointed that the Archdocese of New York has not found a way to save the 27 schools in our area.
This is another blow to Cornwall, and it is a serious and sad one indeed.
Mary and Warren Mumford
posted by Warren Mumford on 01/12/11 at 5:52 PM
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Unfortunately, the catholic Churches vast resources aren't what they used to be. There have been so many lawsuits and declines in giving that what is happening to St. Thomas is happening nationwide.
Perhaps if the church had been less secretive, more forthcoming, more proactive and more realistic with regard to the issue of priests molesting and assaulting children, it wouldn't have to be this way.
It's a shame to see any school close, be it Catholic or otherwise. We need more and better schools not fewer.
posted by Ted Warren on 01/13/11 at 1:57 PM
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Our family has been in St Thomas of Canterbury School for eight years. Our oldest is finishing 8th grade this year. Another is in 5th grade, one in 1st grade and one toddler who is there every other day with my wife who volunteers her time. Our youngest son cherishes the school is so excited about starting kinder garden in a couple of years.
Every year we have watched parents and their children leave after hearing threats of the school closing. The truth is the Archdiocese mismanaged the school scaring parents and their children away. We always did what we were asked by the Archdiocese. We cut back programs when asked. We made sacrifices all to satisfy the Archdiocese requirements. In hind site we see that these actions only kept parents and their children away.
It is true that the Archdiocese asked each school for a proposal and sustainability plan. St Thomas prepared a great plan and a budget that worked. In the end the Archdiocese refused to allow our school to present our proposal. The Archdiocese had already made a decision without any consideration for the children they were affecting. The sorrow that we feel for this loss is very deep and hurts even more knowing that the Archdiocese didn't even give us a chance. Four of our children are losing the only school they have ever known. Many teachers who have impacted our community in ways we cannot imagine are losing their jobs. It is so sad!!!
Sincerely,
A Grieving Parent
Sincerely, Grieving Parents
posted by Edward Davis on 02/01/11 at 9:25 PM
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