Low enrollment prompts closure plans for Mother Seton Academy, Howell
January 7, 2022 at 7:55 p.m.
In a letter addressing MSA’s families, educators and staff, the pastors of the school’s two sponsoring parishes -- Father John P. Bambrick of St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, and Father Peter J. Alindogan of St. Veronica Parish, Howell – wrote: “As co-directors of Mother Seton Academy, we write to you today to announce a sad, but unavoidable decision about the future of our school. After careful analysis of enrollment and financial challenges; consultation with advisors at the parish and diocesan levels, and prayerful discernment of any available options, we must formally announce the closing of Mother Seton Academy at the end of the present school year.”
Mother Seton Academy was established in September 2019 after St. Aloysius School in Jackson and St. Veronica School in Howell were merged. The two schools together had more than 300 students and the new Mother Seton Academy operating on one campus was expected to consolidate expenses and help to ensure the school’s future viability.
However, the pastors report, enrollment in the new merged school declined each year and has now reached a low of 126 children in grades 1-8. This falls below widely recognized benchmarks for academic and financial sustainability of all Catholic schools. As a result of insufficient enrollment, Mother Seton Academy has incurred a deficit of $140K as of September 2021, despite a subsidy from the Diocese of Trenton of more than $250K over the last two years and additional funding from the two sponsoring parishes.
Due to the impact of the pandemic, most especially the shut-down of churches and the resulting loss of revenue for both parishes, St. Aloysius Parish and St. Veronica Parish are unable to cover more of the school’s expenses.
After consultation with both parish Finance Councils and diocesan officials, Father Bambrick and Father Alindogan presented their recommendation to close the school to Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., which he accepted.
The Diocese will work to assist MSA faculty and staff in planning for their next steps and to facilitate connections with area Catholic schools for students who may want to transfer in September. Information relating to this period of transition will be posted to the school’s website and updated as warranted.
The pastors’ letter states, “We acknowledge the disappointment that this news brings to our dedicated faculty, staff, children and families of the Academy… While we come to terms with this news and prepare for the best transition possible, we are deeply grateful for all your continued help and support of Mother Seton Academy. You have given tremendously and selflessly to a legacy of Catholic education in our parish family communities in Howell and Jackson. May God bless you throughout the rest of the school year and in your future endeavors.”
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In a letter addressing MSA’s families, educators and staff, the pastors of the school’s two sponsoring parishes -- Father John P. Bambrick of St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, and Father Peter J. Alindogan of St. Veronica Parish, Howell – wrote: “As co-directors of Mother Seton Academy, we write to you today to announce a sad, but unavoidable decision about the future of our school. After careful analysis of enrollment and financial challenges; consultation with advisors at the parish and diocesan levels, and prayerful discernment of any available options, we must formally announce the closing of Mother Seton Academy at the end of the present school year.”
Mother Seton Academy was established in September 2019 after St. Aloysius School in Jackson and St. Veronica School in Howell were merged. The two schools together had more than 300 students and the new Mother Seton Academy operating on one campus was expected to consolidate expenses and help to ensure the school’s future viability.
However, the pastors report, enrollment in the new merged school declined each year and has now reached a low of 126 children in grades 1-8. This falls below widely recognized benchmarks for academic and financial sustainability of all Catholic schools. As a result of insufficient enrollment, Mother Seton Academy has incurred a deficit of $140K as of September 2021, despite a subsidy from the Diocese of Trenton of more than $250K over the last two years and additional funding from the two sponsoring parishes.
Due to the impact of the pandemic, most especially the shut-down of churches and the resulting loss of revenue for both parishes, St. Aloysius Parish and St. Veronica Parish are unable to cover more of the school’s expenses.
After consultation with both parish Finance Councils and diocesan officials, Father Bambrick and Father Alindogan presented their recommendation to close the school to Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., which he accepted.
The Diocese will work to assist MSA faculty and staff in planning for their next steps and to facilitate connections with area Catholic schools for students who may want to transfer in September. Information relating to this period of transition will be posted to the school’s website and updated as warranted.
The pastors’ letter states, “We acknowledge the disappointment that this news brings to our dedicated faculty, staff, children and families of the Academy… While we come to terms with this news and prepare for the best transition possible, we are deeply grateful for all your continued help and support of Mother Seton Academy. You have given tremendously and selflessly to a legacy of Catholic education in our parish family communities in Howell and Jackson. May God bless you throughout the rest of the school year and in your future endeavors.”
end