After careful consideration, the St. Wendelin Parish Finance Council, the St. Wendelin Catholic Schools Education Foundation Board, parish and school administration and Diocesan officials have made the decision to close St. Wendelin High School, effective June 30, 2017.
In reviewing St. Wendelin’s Parish finances, current and projected school enrollment numbers, fundraising efforts and capital expenditure needs for both the parish and school, these groups recommended that the closure is the only course of action that is prudent, fair and responsible for the St. Wendelin Parish family. Bishop Daniel E. Thomas has accepted their recommendation.
Keeping the high school open would drain all the financial reserves of the parish, leaving it in a deficit position. It is by making this difficult decision that the St. Wendelin Finance Council, St. Wendelin Catholic School Education Foundation Board and parish and school administration believes St. Wendelin Parish and St. Wendelin Catholic School (grades K-8) has a positive way forward.
Joint statement from St. Wendelin Parish leadership: "We deeply regret having to make this decision, however, we are convinced that it is the right decision, given the present circumstances and future projections. We know there will be many questions and needs during this transition time; we will do our best to assist all. We are grateful to God for the many years that we have been able to serve Him in our parish through our Catholic high school. We give thanks for our families, students, faculty, staff, and benefactors. We look forward with optimism that God is with us in this next chapter of Catholic education at St. Wendelin."
Parish and school administrators will be working closely with Calvert Catholic Schools in Tiffin and St. Joseph Central Catholic School in Fremont to transition students currently in grades 8-11 so that students can continue to benefit from a Catholic education. For students who choose not to attend a Catholic high school, the parish will provide ‘YDisciple’ on Sundays as a religious education opportunity.
St. Wendelin Parish will continue to operate a K-8 elementary/middle school at the Countyline Street facility for the 2017-2018 school year. Students in grades K-8 will transition from that building to the Wood Street school facility for the 2018-2019 school year. The Wood Street school facility will be open by March 2018 for preregistration for grades K-8 and open house.
Posted April 24, 2017 at 5:38 pm