Catholic Schools Superintendent Asks To Meet With St. Bernadette Parents

The superintendent of Chicago Catholic Schools has requested a meeting with parents at St. Bernadette’s Academy Friday evening.

Superintendent Sr. Mary Paul McCaughey has been visiting other elementary schools within the Archdiocese of Chicago, notifying parents and staff that their schools would be closing at the end of the current school year, the Chicago Tribune reported.

McCaughey said the closings were necessary in order to cut $10 million in costs from the school budget. More schools may join the list before the end of the year.

So far, Our Lady of Victory and the Academy of St. Benedict the African in Chicago, Santa Maria del Popolo in Mundelein and St. Christopher in Midlothian.

McCaughey told the Tribune on Thursday that two more school closings will be announced before the end of the week, but would not reveal which schools.

The principal at St. Bernadette Academy at 9311 S. Francisco Ave. notified parents on the school's Facebook page that she had been asked by McCaughey to set up a meeting.

“I have been contacted by Sr. Mary Paul, the Superintendent of Catholic Schools, that she would like to meet with all parents on Friday ... I realize this is short notice however your presence is greatly needed,” Baumann said.

The Springfield Dominican Sisters were appointed to open St. Bernadette Parish School in the fall of 1949. The school graduated its first eighth-grade class of 13 students in 1950.

Enrollment at the school peaked at 1,257 students in 1965, the school's website said.

The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday, in O’Brien Hall.