Rochester bishop closes 13 schools, cuts tuition by 27 percent

Published: 2008-01-24

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (CNS) -- Bishop Matthew H. Clark of Rochester has accepted the recommendations of a diocesan task force that he close 13 of 24 Catholic schools in Monroe County, the seat of the 12-county diocese, and cut tuition by more than 27 percent. He also accepted the recommendation he provide a financial incentive for families to re-enroll displaced children in the county's remaining diocesan-run schools. The bishop announced his decision Jan. 18 during a press conference at the Diocese of Rochester's Pastoral Center. The decision was communicated to principals and pastoral leaders earlier that day, and a letter from the bishop was sent home to parents that afternoon. The moves -- recommended to Bishop Clark Jan. 3 by the Catholic School Task Force -- are intended to stem "a growing financial deficit, rising costs, declining enrollment and a number of schools operating well under capacity," the bishop's letter to parents stated. "I firmly believe that the changes we are implementing are essential," Bishop Clark told parents. "By acting now, we can free the system of potentially crippling financial woes and work to ensure our overall Catholic school program will not just survive but thrive in the future."

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