News/Events

January 29, 2007 - Brockton Phase of the 2010 Initiative Preparing To Launch

Plan Aimed at Improving, Revitalizing and Strengthening Brockton’s Catholic Schools as 1st Phase of 2010 Initiative; Stonehill College to Partner With Brockton

January 29, 2007, Brighton, MA - The Archdiocese of Boston today released the details of a plan to revitalize the Catholic schools in the Brockton region. The announcement of the Brockton effort is the first plan to be made public since the Archdiocese embarked on its 2010 Initiative. The 2010 Initiative, announced in August of 2005, is an effort to improve, strengthen and revitalize the Archdiocese of Boston's Catholic schools.

Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley said, “Brockton’s Catholic schools are embarking on a major initiative that will open its doors to a new world of academic excellence rooted in our faith. From the very beginning we promised that the process would be open and inclusive, while relying on the local needs, goals and objectives of the students and families. We now have an opportunity to chart a path that will greatly strengthen and enhance our Catholic schools in this City of Champions.”

Jack Connors, Chair of the 2010 Strategic Planning Committee, said, “Cardinal Seán has focused the collective energies, talent and expertise of an impressive group of people dedicated to making our Catholic schools world class. Today's announcement is an example of what is possible when people of faith come together toward a common goal. The Brockton plan builds upon the remarkable work that has been done in these schools over many years and will result in a stronger, more vibrant Catholic education experience for children and their families in this community.”

Brockton

Brockton’s Catholic schools are going to be one of the first regions to implement the 2010 Initiative. The schools will be realigned and managed under a new management structure consisting of a regional board and a regional director.

This new management will provide greater resources in the areas of curriculum, staff, technology, and finances, which will ensure the long-term viability of these schools while maintaining their Catholic identity.

The Brockton plan calls for creation of one school system located on two campuses with the addition of Pre-K. Currently there are three schools serving K-8 (St. Edward, St. Casimir, and Sacred Heart). The lower campus will be located at a newly upgraded and expanded St. Edward’s, serving Pre K-Grade 3. The upper campus will be located at a newly renovated St. Colman School and serve Grades 4-8.

This new school region will maintain an integral relationship with the parishes in Brockton. Pastors and local Catholic clergy will continue to play a critical role in ensuring that the Catholic identity and mission are maintained and that spiritual formation remains a central priority in our Catholic schools.

Sr. Kathleen Fitz Simons, CND, Interim Superintendent of the Archdiocese of Boston Catholic Schools, said, “Under the leadership of the Cardinal and with the generous support of Brockton’s clergy, principals, teachers, staff and parents we are making it possible for our students to achieve their dreams as a result of the opportunities a strong Catholic education provides. With its energy, commitment to succeed and dedication to create an enriching and vibrant educational environment for our students, Brockton is shining a bright light on the promising future of Catholic education in the Archdiocese.”

John Fish, President and CEO of Suffolk Construction and a member of the Brockton implementation committee said, ”It has been an honor to collaborate with a superb group of individuals committed to preserving and improving Catholic education in Brockton. This is an important initiative that will continue to require the collective energy and contributions of many people from the parish, school and community levels all working towards the same goal to insure that we revitalize our Catholic education in Brockton.”

St. Edward’s will add three Pre-K classrooms, two Kindergarten classes, as well as three first, second and third grade classrooms. At the upper campus, St. Colman will offer two classrooms each for grades 4-8.

Tuition will be approximately $3,000 for the first child with discounts provided for families registering more than one child. Transition funds will be made available primarily for families from St. Casimir and Sacred Heart to assist with their transfer to the new school. The Archdiocese is committed to doing all that is possible to assist families to remain in the Brockton Catholic school system.

Financial aid will be available to families, which qualify. The Archdiocese will work with principals and families at each existing school in order to make Catholic education in Brockton affordable and available.

Brockton Pastors' Statement

In a joint statement, the pastors in Brockton (Fr. Jose Abalon, Fr. Richard Clancy, Fr. Francis Cloherty, Fr. Jim Flavin, and Fr. David O’Donnell) stated, “We have worked closely with our principals, parish and community leadership, the Catholic Schools Office, and the Archdiocese to develop a plan for Brockton’s Catholic schools, which we feel will serve the needs of our students in a very tangible and important manner. Brockton is proud to be the first region to implement the 2010 Initiative. We are pleased that this strong faith-filled community has demonstrated a commitment to help us develop a plan for our Catholic schools that allows our children to continue to learn in an exciting and enriching environment, both today and well into the future.”

Stonehill Partnership Announced

The 2010 Initiative has also announced that it has received a commitment from Stonehill College to partner with the Brockton region, focusing on the areas of curriculum, staff and teacher training as well as management. Stonehill will begin working immediately with the local Brockton team to assess how best to integrate its efforts with the Brockton 2010 Initiative.

Rev. Mark T. Cregan, C.S.C. President of Stonehill said, “Catholic education is an important and fundamental part of our Catholic experience as members of one faith community. Families across the Archdiocese want their children to receive a strong and faith-filled education in a Catholic school and we have a responsibility to see that they and many more families enjoy that same opportunity. Stonehill is proud to join in partnership with the 2010 Initiative in Brockton, the Archdiocese and local leaders in helping our families realize their dreams for the best possible education for their children. We support the Cardinal in his efforts to lead this initiative and look forward to contributing our time and expertise to making Brockton a success.

2010 Initiative