Update: Parent Arthur Gerckens told the Valley Indy Monday evening that there was still no decision from the Archdiocese.
A group of parents made what could have been a final pitch to church officials Saturday morning to keep the St. Mary-St. Michael School opened beyond the end of this school year.
The school is in a financial pinch due to dwindling enrollment.
Parents, pastors and trustees from both Derby parishes met Saturday for about four hours to see if the school’s future is viable. The meeting was moderated by Maria Maynard, assistant superintendent, Office of Catholic Schools.
Parents, including Derby’s Arthur Gerckens, presented officials with a financial plan they hope will save the school.
The Hartford Archdiocese is supposed to issue a decision Monday, Gerckens said in an e-mail.
Prior to the 10:30 a.m. meeting, about 40 parents and students of the kindergarten through eighth-grade school braved unseasonably cold temperatures in a show of support for their school.
They stood outside St. Michael’s Church in Derby holding signs reading “Save Our Schools.”
Watch the video for a glimpse of the scene.
Notable graduates of the school include UConn basketball standout Maria Conlon.
Thanks to all the children and parents who braved the cold weather yesterday and demonstrated their resolve to keep the school open. A big thanks to all the horn-blowers as well.
The parents submitted a good working plan and now it’s in the archdiocese’s hands.
Shame on the Office Of Catholic School’s and
Saint Mary’s Church and Saint Michael’s Church. We should be doing everything possible for are children to be able to be educated by a catholic school. Both of my children graduated from this school. The education that they received was wonderful. The teachers and staff were so dedicated. This is where the Catholic foundation begins. In this day and age we should be supporting them more than ever. WHAT CAN THEY BE THINKING!!!!!!!!!!!