24 October 2019

 Committee of Education Meeting 

  • Opening Prayer by Fr. Papi 
  • Members present: Principal Megan Dieckman, Fr. Papi, Bob Lecheler, Chair Jen Gago, Secretary Karla Cole, Deacon Craig Voldberg, Jessica Wiles, Lani Burke, Jacquie Bernard, 
  • Premise of the meeting: o Enrollment has significantly decreased in the last few years 
    • Budget has increased causing burden on parishes/parishioners 
    • Concern over viability of the school 
    • Restructure of school to make it more inviting and appealing to parents of Rusk County 
    • Looking to make OLS a 3K-5 school with after school services 
    • Focusing more on quality elementary school with strong academics, faith- based and controlled learning environments 
  • Gathering Facts:
    • It is vital to gather information from as many stakeholders as possible in order to make informed decisions of any kind. The education committee, parish councils, parents of students, and parishioners will be surveyed to see if this is the appropriate recommendation 
    • Process and Timeline: o Meet with school staff members – 10/24/19 
    • Meet with education committee – 10/24/19 
    • Meet with OLS parish council – 10/25/19 
    • Meet with other parish councils – November contact 
    • Open meeting with parents of students/members of the public – 11/6/19 
    • Survey to all stakeholders – 11/6 
    • Review collected data – 12/9 
    • Recommendation to Bishop Powers – 12/13/19 
    • Announce Bishop’s decision – 1/4/20 
    • Meet with staff/parents to address questions and answers 1/8/20 
  • Closing prayer by Fr. Papi