Daily Journal
Head of diocese explains local consolidation
By TIM ZATZARINY Jr.
Staff Writer
Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007
http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007702070309
VINELAND -- Bishop Joseph Galante, leader of the Diocese of Camden, said Tuesday there were several reasons he decided to merge Sacred Heart and St. Francis elementary schools in Vineland.
Among them:
A long-term decline in enrollment at the schools.
Deficits resulting from "significant under-enrollment."
The high percentage of parish funds used to subsidize the schools.
The number of students entering kindergarten is not enough to offset the number of eighth-graders who will graduate.
"The prospect of a turnaround for each of these schools, unfortunately, is not likely," Galante said.
An institutional advancement program will begin at the consolidated school to improve marketing and fundraising, according to Galante.
Sacred Heart also will have a new school board made up of members from each sending district, Galante said.