The wheels are turning to keep Saced Heart High School’s doors open.
Representatives from the Sacred Heart High School advisory committee, along with Monsignor John H. Burton met with with Camden Diocese Tuesday to challenge the school’s closure.
“We had a very productive and cordial meeting,” said Fran Riley, spokesperson for the high school’s advisory committee. “The diocese is taking our proposal into consideration.”
Riley said the high school is expecting a final decision from the diocese within two or three days.
The decision will dictate whether the school will be allowed to go forth with its proposal to keep the school open.
On Friday, Jan. 20, the Camden Diocese announced it would close Sacred Heart High School, along with two other area schools, in a letter sent to parents of students, and school staff members.
All were notified the same day.
Riley said they are asking the diocese to consider a plan for the school’s sustainability.
“This is a broadband proposal of sustainability and academic excellence,” Riley said.
He could not provide further details.
In the Newfield/Landisville area, a meeting that was scheduled between Notre Dame Board President Leo Hagerty, Rev. Allain Capara, Dr. Mary Alamente, some board members, and Bishop Galante, has been reinstated.
Hagerty spent last Friday, when he said the meeting was normally schedule, travelling to the diocese to provide them with their plan of sustainability.
“We’ll be opening up some levels of communications,” Hagerty said. “I delivered the proposal Friday. Hopefully they reviewed it and have comments for us, and hopefully we’ll have a chance to respond to those comments.”
Hagerty said the school plans to discuss the same plan that was prepared by the school board, along with an independent CPA, who measured a five year sustainability plan for finances and enrollment.
Current enrollment is around 265 students, and the school currently employs an advancement director who has raised around $12,500 each year, which is matched by the Catholic School Advancement Program.
They have met that quota already this year.
“I’m very optimistic to get our presentation there,” Hagerty said. “I hope it opens up the lines of communication and states our case. We have a strong case to go in with.”
He added that the plan eventually calls for the consolidation of their Newfield and Landisville campuses, an issue that the diocese cited as a reason for the school’s closing
“We eventually want to go down to one campus in a 3 to 4 year plan,” Hagerty said.
Hagerty will be meeting with the diocese next Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 11 a.m.
The school closings also affected St. Mary Magdalen Elementary School in Millville. An advisory committee was also formed at the Millville school, and they have held various rallies.
St. Mary’s School in East Vineland and Bishop Schad School in Vineland will both remain open. St. Joe’s High School in Hammonton will remain open, and is the closest high school for students leaving Sacred Heart (if it closes) to attend.
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