Holy Name School to close June 22

Date: 3/28/2012

March 28, 2012

By G. Michael Dobbs

news@thereminder.com

CHICOPEE — A long-standing education tradition in the city will end this year.

Last week, Father David Darcy, pastor of Holy Name parish, announced to parents and then to the press that the parish school will be closed at the end of the school year.

Escalating costs, plus the repair needs of the buildings along with declining enrollment prompted the decision to close the school. The closing of the school buildings comes after the decision to close the historic Holy Name Church for structural reasons.

The elementary school had been part of the "Catholic Education Corridor" in the city, an area where a Catholic elementary school, a high school and college were all within a city blocks walking distance of one another.

The school's last day will be June 22. Darcy said parents are being encouraged to enroll their children in another Catholic school.

Darcy wrote to parents last week, "It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you of the closing of Holy Name School at the end of this current school year.

"For 145 years Holy Name School has been a valuable part of the Catholic community in Chicopee and Hampden County, providing quality education to generations of young people. Despite this remarkable history, this school has, for several years, been faced with mounting fiscal challenges, in part due to declining enrollment and increased operational expenses.

"Last year a special marketing effort was made to increase enrollment and a substantial increase in tuition was required. Despite the overwhelming support of parishioners and benefactors as well as that of the school community and its fund-raising projects, the cost of providing a 21st Century quality education to a small student body in an aging facility has become unsustainable. Despite all those endeavors, the weak economy and the diminished school population have brought us to the difficult, but necessary decision to close Holy Name School.

"I recognize that this is very difficult news to hear and that the concern and disappointment with this decision is felt by all — students, parents/guardians, faculty and administration, alumni/ae, parishioners and benefactors who have been part of this school and its traditions for many years. I also recognize that those most directly involved in the school right now are the ones most impacted: the students and their families, the principal, faculty and staff members. I deeply regret the challenges and difficulties that such a decision causes. However, there was no financial solution, sustainable enrollment or resource that could ensure our future commitment to academic excellence, which was a hallmark of this school throughout its history.

"Certainly we will help facilitate the transition of our students to new schools for the fall. We will be especially mindful of those families who wish to explore their other Catholic school options.

"In closing, I acknowledge with deep appreciation and esteem the great efforts of Mrs. Patricia Kern, principal, the faculty and staff at Holy Name School as well as the school board and home and school association. This announcement urges us to celebrate the real gift, which Holy Name School has been to countless individuals and the community of Chicopee. Thus, an event will be held to honor the story and legacy of Holy Name School, which was founded in 1867 and originally staffed by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur," he continued.

Darcy said the decision to close the school had been under consideration for the past several years.

"Every year it's been a struggle to maintain the budget," he said.

He acknowledged that with the history of the parish, the closing of the school will have an "impact felt by many."

Kern said that last year the school increased the tuition by $500, but that still led to a $40,000 deficit. She said that one building needs a new roof, while another requires a new heating system.

Enrollment is at 118 students, but it used to be 200, Darcy added.

Darcy said the disposition of the school buildings themselves has not yet been discussed.

The parish is now worshipping in the former Assumption Church and Darcy said the parish and the diocese is considering one of the three available churches in Chicopee as a new permanent home.

Kern said the diocese has agreed to help the school's 18 staff members find positions in other Catholic schools.

The school means a lot to her, she explained, as she started there as a seventh grade teacher and her children attended Holy Name. She remains optimistic for the future, despite the closing.

"I have great faith," Kern said. "God has a plan. He opens a door when one closes."