On Tuesday, the archdiocese said that all of the pastors recommended keeping their schools open for the 2024-25 school year.
“The pastors have now been asked, in consultation with the parish’s school board, finance council, parish council, and community, to create a feasibility plan that outlines how the parish will ensure the school’s long-term viability,” the archdiocese said.
The archdiocese said the plans should detail specific goals and actions that will be taken for the next three school years regarding projected enrollment; school costs for faculty, staff, programs, and supplies; realistic and sustainable funding sources; building condition and capacity; staffing; and other considerations.
Parishes will also be asked to consider whether their continued financial investment in the school will leave them unable to financially support other current or future parish ministries.
The feasibility plans are due to the archdiocese Feb. 1, 2024. After the plans are submitted, Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski may suggest revisions or amendments and encourage schools close to each other to consider how the other’s plan impacts their own, the archdiocese continued. Parishes may reconsider their decision to keep their school open, with the pastor making the final decision.
Though not one of the country’s largest dioceses, St. Louis has historically had a disproportionate number of students in its Catholic schools. As recently as last year, 38% of St. Louis’ Catholic elementary-school-age children were in a Catholic school compared with 13% nationally, and 31% of St. Louis Catholic high-school-age children were in a Catholic school compared with 10% nationally.