March Board Meeting

The Board of Education will enter into closed session this meeting to take up the topic of staff reduction.  At that time, I will present to the Board names of those staff members being recommended for staff reduction.  The Board will not act on this recommendation until our April 13th meeting.  In the days following this meeting, I will be notifying individual staff members of their status.  By ABE Policy, the Board and myself are not permitted to share with any members of the public this recommendation, or who will be assigned to teach what grade levels next year.  The Board members have been instructed to respond to these inquires with "No Comment".  These are personnel issues and must be handled delicately.  Please do not put a Board Member in an uncomfortable situation.

This is also a very trying time for the faculty and staff of St. Joseph Catholic School.  While they are not bound by the rules of secrecy, please do not ask them if they are going to be here unless they volunteer this information.  Many of our staff members will view this as a deeply personal experience and not wish to engage in conversation surrounding their future.  I ask that you please respect their privacy. 

It is very likely that the news of who has been recommended for staff reduction, and who will be assigned to each grade level will be spread throughout the community by the end of next week.  While there may be some accuracy to these pieces of information, please note that no official statement will be released prior to the Board meeting on April 13th.  For that reason, please do not ask for confirmation of what you may be hearing.

What I can share with you at this time is that we have 162 students registered for school next year.  While that number is smaller, I am excited about the opportunities that it presents.  We are thrilled that these 162 students and families are committed to St. Joseph Catholic School and are eager to provide an exceptional Catholic educational experience to families and students who want to be here.

I can also share with you that the budget recommendation that is being presented to the Board will cut over $275,000 from our General Fund next year.  Sadly, most of this will come from personnel.  While we are all sad this decision has to be made, I can share with you that despite these cuts, there is no plan to eliminate any programming.  All classes and courses offered this year will be offered again next year.  The rumor that specialist programs (such as music) are being eliminated is absolutely false.

This week was tough, next week will be tougher.  Please pray for our teachers.