Over the last two years there have been
two professional studies and multiple consultations concerning the
future of Catholic education in the Diocese of Alexandria and, in
particular, in the civil parishes of Avoyelles and Rapides. The
following pastoral decisions have been taken in light of all the data
gathered.
Just Compensation of Professional Personnel in All Catholic Schools
There have been many statements, including several Papal
Encyclicals, stating the teaching of the Catholic Church in the wide
variety of areas of Social Justice. Fair and just compensation of
employees is one of the foundational elements. Our Catholic Schools
must reflect the Church’s teachings. Unfortunately, wages now being
paid are near or even below the poverty level in many instances.
Justice is a core value of the Church. Therefore, by November 30, 2008:
1) Each school in the Diocese shall present to the Catholic Schools
Office for the approval of the Diocesan Bishop a detailed three-year
Budget Plan to ensure that salaries of the professional staff are
increased to at least 50% of the difference between present salary and
80% of the public school salary in the civil Parish over the next three
years. This salary policy is for all professional staff, religious or
lay.
2) Each school must have and adhere to a published salary scale that
includes stepped increases for years of service coordinated with the
public school scale for the civil Parish in which the school is
located. This may pose a challenge for some schools, but this is a
matter of justice, not charity.
Pastoral Determinations for Avoyelles Parish
The Feasibility Study recommended the relocation of St. Joseph High
School in Plaucheville to a more central location and its establishment
as a diocesan high school. Our professional consultants raised concerns
about the ability to raise the money necessary. The need for a new
school is important enough to allow those who would benefit to have the
opportunity to make the financial contributions necessary. There are
many who have expressed confidence that such support will be
forthcoming. With confidence that the faith and self-reliance that has
built the past will build the future, the following steps are being
taken:
1) A Planning Advisory Committee will be appointed to accomplish the following goals:
a) To explore possible location for a new facility as a diocesan high school
b) To begin the process of the selection of an architect to develop preliminary plans
2) A Development Committee will be appointed to begin the solicitation
of gifts and pledges for the new facility as a diocesan high school.
3) Obtain the commitment of parents to enroll their children once the school has been completed.
Pastoral Determinations for Rapides Parish
There were two separate but related issues concerning the schools in
Rapides Parish. One was related to Holy Savior Menard High School, the
other to the question of elementary formation, now consisting of three
parish schools.
Holy Savior Menard
The recommendation of the Feasibility Study was to conduct a capital
campaign to raise $2,000,000 for needed repairs and improvements. Upon
more in-depth examination, major concerns about the air conditioning
system, outdated labs and the need to provide separate facilities for
the junior high students also surfaced. Consequently, the following
steps are being taken:
1) Establish a Study Committee to identify the needs of the school.
2) Select an architect to address these needs and determine costs.
3) Explore the possibility of a new building on campus for 7-8 grades.
4) Organize and conduct a capital campaign to address these needs. The needs are urgent and, therefore, it is important to proceed as
quickly as possible. However, the only way this can be accomplished is
by the generous support of the community served by Holy Savior Menard.
Elementary Schools
The Feasibility Study suggested two alternatives. The first was to
consolidate at least St. Rita and St. Frances Cabrini School. The
second was to conduct a capital campaign for the construction of a new
facility to serve the needs of all elementary students.
The first alternative would be accomplished by relocating students of
both schools at the present location of St. Rita for the next school
year while a detailed assessment of the facilities at St. Frances
Cabrini could be evaluated as a possible permanent location for the
consolidated school.
Although the consolidation of two schools has some distinct advantages
that would reduce costs and the duplication of services as well as
offer increased opportunities for enhanced programs, the proposal as
presented presents some significant concerns. The ability to accomplish
the first move in time for next school year is problematic. Acquiring
textbooks, etc. (different ones are now in use in the two schools),
adapting the buildings, resolving funding, staff, and organizational
issues would not be easy in the time frame available. Perhaps the most
important concern is the effect such moves would create for the
students. Moving from location to location creates more uncertainty
than has existed over the past several years.
The construction of a new elementary school is not feasible now. There
are several parish-level capital campaigns that are either in process
or recently completed in addition to the capital campaign needed for
the improvements at Holy Savior Menard.
The following steps are being taken:
1) For the immediate future all three elementary schools will continue,
provided they can meet the salary requirements outlined above.
2) Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, the elementary schools in
Rapides Parish may include only grades Pre-K through 6th. Seventh and
Eighth grades will all be located at Holy Savior/Menard.
3) Initial steps for the possible construction of a new elementary school will begin.
a) An Advisory Council will be appointed to locate a suitable location.
b) The process of architect selection to begin preliminary design will be undertaken.
c) Organization for a possible capital campaign to fund the school will begin.
4) Re-examine the possibility of consolidation if a new school becomes possible.
Much thought and prayer has been involved in assessing the results of
the Feasibility Study. Unfortunately, much unnecessary anxiety and
turmoil has been created by untimely and unauthorized statements and
comments. The goals outlined above will not meet with universal
approval or resolve all concerns, but they do offer a direction for the
future of our Catholic Schools that we can pursue. I urge all to work
together so that these goals can be accomplished for the benefit of the
formation of our students.