Diocese of Covington - Education at PO Box 15550, Covington, KY 41015-0550 US - February 5, 2009

Members Present: Rev. Mr. James Bayne, Ms. Kim Halbauer, Mr. Peter Laterza, Mr. John Lonneman, Sr. Judith Niewahner, S.N.D., Rev. Thomas Robbins, Mr. Paul Scheper

Staff: Dr. Lawrence Bowman

Excused Absences: Mr. Dennis Scanlon, Ms. Ann Ulbricht, Mr. Michael Ward

Ms. Halbauer led the opening prayer. She thanked Ms. Polly Duplace, principal of Holy Family School for hosting the meeting. In attendance was Sr. Janet Bucher, C.D.P., parish life collaborator of Our Savior parish.

It was moved (Mr. Scheper—Deacon Baynes) to accept the minutes of the December 11, 2008, meeting. It was noted that on page 3, 5th line, "Ms. Ulbricht" should be "Mr. Laterza." The minutes were approved as amended.

Ms. Displace reported an enrollment of 64 in grades K through eight; 26 Catholic, 38 non-Catholic.

Seventy-eight percent are on free or reduced-price meals (the highest percentage in the diocese). There are five full-time teachers; one part-time teacher (one day a week for art, music, library, physical education); and Title I support for remedial reading.

There are volunteers:

Algebra, grades 7 and 8

Spanish, grades 5, 6, 7, and 8

Ten other volunteers for Adopt-a-Student Program:

Pen Pals—15 students (3rd and 4th grade classes)

Tuition Assistance Program

Mentoring and Tutoring

Five Latin School students (an ACUE school)
School of Contribution through Children, Inc.

The school has a fine arts program. During Lent the penny war and bake sale profits go to the Diocesan Parish Annual Appeal; there is a weekly prayer service; and the rosary is prayed daily. To Mr. Lonneman's question, Ms. Duplace replied that the Cathedral, Our Savior, and St. Benedict comprise the parish base of Holy Family.

Sr. Rita Brink, O.S.B., executive director of the Alliance for Catholic Urban Education (ACUE), stated that ACUE has been here for twelve years; the ACUE consortium of six elementary schools for over two years. The consortium serves about 700 students and 490 families. Effective July 1, 2008, there has been one board governing the six elementary schools with twelve voting members and two ex-officio members (pastoral administrator of ACUE and pastor of Holy Cross parish, Reverend Thomas Barnes and the executive director, Sr. Rita). In August and September, the board had workshops on becoming an effective board. A statement of hope goes to the schools; each school develops its statement of hope. Committees of the board are being developed; the executive committee is already in existence. In December the following committees were established: finance, membership, and development. Next the governance and buildings and grounds committees will be established. The board meets the second Tuesday of each month. All receivables and payables flow through the ACUE director of finance. Presently there is budget planning for next year.

A three year plan calls for all parishes to contribute at the forty percent level so that everybody contributes according to ability to pay. For somewhat of a cost-cutting measure cleaning has been contracted out in some of the schools. There may be savings if the ACUE schools go together on printers, copiers, ink cartridges, etc. Perhaps lower rates can be negotiated with plumbers, roofers, et al. As of this week two part-time professionals in development are being hired for a year. The infra-structure of the Fund for Urban School Excellence (FUSE) board is being explored so that an endowment can be built. Early next week a chairperson will be identified, other members selected; by April there will be a meeting. Sister continues to meet with principals twice a month (second Thursday, fourth Wednesday) concerning academics.

Literacy nights are held twice a year. The families from the six schools are invited. Parents are told how they can help develop their child’s reading ability. Every child leaves with a book. Each parent attending receives a seventy dollar payment toward tuition. The United States (U.S.) is not among the top ten countries in math or science; its curriculum is described as "a mile wide and an inch deep…." Along with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the focal point is to deepen the curriculum. There are also pilot programs for grammar. At least three times a years ACUE principals meet with the ACUE executive board. ACUE’s spring event will take place in May. An eighth grader from each ACUE school will receive a scholarship to a Catholic high school. Also honored are past graduates of ACUE schools. Dr. Bowman noted that Selected Programs for Improving Catholic Education (SPICE) is held each summer at Boston University. This year's topic is unique governance. Sr. Rita might want to apply as a presenter in view of her role as executive director of the ACUE consortium. To Mr. Lonneman's question, Sr. Janet answered that two students from Our Savior attend Holy Family. A couple of Our Savior children who live in the Erlanger-Elsmere area attend St. Henry Elementary School. To Dr. Bowman’s question, Ms. Duplace responded that when Holy Family receives a bill, she sends it to the ACUE central office for payment and that it is hoped a smooth program for the centralized collection of tuition develops. Ms. Duplace stated that Sr. Janet is a very big supporter of Holy Family School.

Dr. Bowman stated a financial reporting form is being drawn up as called for by the synod policy approved by Bishop Fays. Its aim is to show the true cost of educating a child in a Catholic school. Since all schools will be using the same form, a comparison "apples to apples" and "oranges to oranges" can be made. Concerning their Catholic identity, schools will be using a check list and self-study also as a result of the 2006 Diocesan Synod. Both of these policies will require action by the Diocesan Board.

Ms. Halbauer said the committee met about two weeks ago. It was felt that the overall districting policy should be reviewed; the parts of districting are interconnected. Dr. Bowman stated that the two items being looked at closely were districting lines and the surcharge. The review and study will continue into the next school year.

Dr. Bowman reported that as treasurer of the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA) and as representative of the Kentucky Non-Public Schools Commission to NCPSA, he attended NCPSA's winter meeting. He will attend the ministry fair for the Diocesan Parish Annual Appeal on Thursday, March 26.

The executive committee will meet on Friday, February 13; the next regular meeting is on Thursday, February 26, at St. Joseph in Cold Spring. It was moved (Sr. Judith—Fr. Robbins) to adjourn the meeting which ended at 8:50 p.m.

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