The pastor of Holy Innocents Parish, Neptune, and principal of the parish school issued a joint letter the weekend of Nov. 10 and 11 announcing that the Catholic elementary school will close its doors in June due to declining enrollment and financial shortfalls.
In a letter sent to all school families and posted on the school’s website, Father H. Todd Carter, pastor, and Cynthia A. Reimer, principal, reported that the school enrollment this year had dropped to 93 students, less than half of the 200 students that most educators and planners recognize as the minimum to have a sustainable school. Father Carter and Ms. Reimer stated that the funds from tuition and parish financial assistance are no longer sufficient to provide for a vibrant and successful school in light of “this serious decrease in enrollment, increasing expenses, and financial aid requirements of our families.”
In a separate message from Father Carter to the parishioners that was published in the weekly bulletin, the pastor pointed to a steady downward trend in enrollment, and, most significantly, a drop of nearly 40 students from last year. The financial burdens created by the declining enrollment have required increased subsidy from the parish, straining its financial health and resulting in a “large debt to the Diocese.” Father Carter stated that he sought input from the parish’s Pastoral Council and Finance Council in search of other alternatives to closing the school. However, no other options could be found, he reported, and there is no indication that these trends will rebound.
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., granted the parish’s request to close the school, expressing regret that circumstances had become so dire and acknowledging the sadness that comes with such changes. The Bishop expressed his profound gratitude that the school had so faithfully served the educational needs of the parish’s children for more than 50 years.
In his message to parishioners, Father Carter thanked all those who have supported the school over its many years of existence, including the Religious Teachers Filippini who founded Holy Innocents School. He also lauded Reimer “and all of our lay teachers who are some of the best and most professional people I know.” He made a special point to mention all of the school parents for sacrificing to pay tuition, and to the parishioners for their long-standing financial support.
Father Carter also expressed appreciation to Bishop O’Connell and the Diocese “who have been so patient with us when we have been unable to pay all of our bills.” He also thanked parish leaders who have been working to balance the budget and save funds for the parish.
According to the joint letter sent to parents, the Diocese’s Department of Catholic Schools will be working with the administration of Holy Innocents School to assist families in transitioning to another Catholic school in the area. Support will also be provided to the faculty and staff as they work to secure future employment.