Since 2001, the independent Catholic school has been governed by a board of directors, and operated as a not-for-profit corporation. Faced with a $550,000 shortage of current and projected cash flow to cover operating expenses, the board voted Feb. 10 to close the school, and notified Msgr. Carl Kemme, diocesan administrator, of its decision.
“This was a difficult decision for the board to make and we realize this has a tremendous impact on parents, students and staff of the St. Patrick community,” said Sister Marilyn Jean Runkel, OP, board president.
The K-8 school at 1800 South Grand Ave. East currently has 80 students, with eight teachers; six are full time and two are part time. Principal is Gary Sullivan, retired principal of Southeast High School. The school offers a Nativity Miguel Model which provides individualized instruction and offers a Christ-centered education open to children of all faiths and backgrounds.
The board of directors at St. Patrick operates similarly to how the boards of directors at Quincy Notre Dame High School or Marquette Catholic High School in Alton operate, said Sister Marilyn Jean, who used to head the diocesan Office for Education. The school buildings and property belong to the Springfield diocese, but the equipment is property of the non-for-profit corporation.
Sister Marilyn Jean said then-Bishop George Lucas, like members of the board and many long-time supporters, viewed the school as a mission. Very little tuition is collected at the school and currently only two of the students are Catholic. The board was responsible for fund-raising and operations at the school.
“We had an annual fund-raiser, a non-event, smaller trivia nights, and appeals for larger donations,” said Sister Marilyn Jean. “We held a century campaign, but still it wasn’t enough.
“There have been people who supported the school very generously,” she said. “People who have been on the board have been very, very faithful. They have been from all over the city.”
The school has actually raised more money this year than any year, she said. “St. Katharine Drexel has always had a monthly collection for the school, even though their parish wasn’t responsible for the school. They have faithfully done that.
“The closure of St. Patrick’s is a significant loss for Springfield’s east side community and the Springfield community at large,” said Sister Marilyn Jean.
“It is our hope that a committee can be formed to investigate a way that will enable the school to continue to serve the students and families who value the environment and care that St. Patrick School has provided for a hundred years. But at this time we are saddened to announce that the funds are not available to maintain our operations.”