Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - As an attempt to preserve its remaining schools, the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo is creating a centralized school system.
The move would unify all 30 school board under a single diocesan school boards overseen by Bishop Michael Fisher.
Amy Pearl with Work Ignited, a company that is volunteered to help the diocese through the implementation process, says the move will give the schools a stronger backbone.
"It's no secret, over the last couple of decades, we've been declining in enrollment. We've had to close schools. We've had to make changes, just as any other organization would do in difficult times. We want to make sure that that downward trajectory doesn't continue. We're turning that around so that our schools can grow and thrive for the future," stated Pearl in an interview with WBEN.
Pearl explains that other dioceses have established centralized system, most of which have experienced great success.
"Some of the things that we're putting in place, other diocese across the country and really around the world have done 5, 10, even 15 years ago. Their schools are bigger and stronger than when they started this initiative. We're just trying to follow in those footsteps, to put in place the mechanisms that will ensure that Catholic education is here for all time," stated Pearl.
Some parents are concerned that tuition will be impacted because of this, however, Pearl says that won't happen because there are multiple factors that determine the cost per school.
"Education is one of the most important ministries of our church. Tuition, even though we charge tuition for our schools, it purely is to cover some of our costs. The rest of those costs are covered by fundraising and donations and those types of things. Tuition levels for next year have already been set for each school following the same processes that they've used every year in the recent past. Since tuition varies from school to school, parents should really speak with the local school for that information," explained Pearl.
Pearl says the transition will be completed by the end of 2028, with some of the initial steps being implemented in the 2025-2026 school year.
"Next school year, our principals and our pastors as well as students and their families will have more support that they need, so that especially our principals and our teachers can really focus on being the education, the educational leaders that they really want to be," she explained.
Pearl says most parents and educators are excited about what's to come, but others are more nervous about the future.
"I appreciate that that can make people feel a little bit uncomfortable. So if anyone has any questions at all they should the best way to kind of get in touch with people is to work with their principal at the school that's closest to them," stated Pearl.