Eight Washington Catholic schools could become charter schools

Published: 2007-09-13

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Because of growing deficits and declining enrollments faced by its center-city Catholic schools, the Archdiocese of Washington announced a proposal Sept. 7 to reconfigure a consortium made up of the 12 schools. According to the proposal, four of the 12 Catholic schools currently in the Center City Consortium would make up a new consortium and the other eight schools would form a values-based charter school group by the next school year. Charter schools are publicly funded but privately run. Under the proposed plan, the parishes would lease their buildings to the charter operator. The proposal was announced following a consultation that began this spring. The plan is expected to undergo further consultation with diocesan officials, pastors, parents, school staffs and school and parish advisory councils of the affected schools. Washington Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl is expected to make a decision on the proposal by late October after the consultation is completed.

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