Instead of coming to terms with the fact that in a few months, their children's Catholic school will close for good, some parents are fighting the decision to shutter St. John Paul II School in New Britain and brainstorming ways to keep it alive.
"Unfortunately over the past six years, $1.5 million has been given to the school for financial aid, and there's no more dollars available," said Superintendent of Catholic Schools Dr. Dale Hoyt.
The Archdiocese of Hartford announced the decision last week, and parents crowded into a closed-door meeting at the school Thursday night to explore their options.
John Gouveia said St. John Paul II School has not only provided his two young boys with a solid education but also a tight-knit community.
"The boys grew up here. They have very, very close and good friends here," said Gouveia. "It's a sad state of affairs. I kind of believe we've been abandoned by the archdiocese."
A GoFundMe page cropped up shortly after the announcement and fundraisers are in the works to pay off the school's $320,000 in debt, but Hoyt said it's still not enough.
"It guarantees no future because what about next year? What about the dollars for next year? Tuition really does not cover the cost of educating a child in a Catholic school," said Hoyt.
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While some parents said they at least have to try, others, like Gouveia, doubt the money will do much to help students.
"Part of me feels like we're just going to help them pay off their debt that they've accumulated over six-and-a-half years through poor management of funds," he said.
In that time, the school's enrollment has dropped from 230 to 155. Hoyt said fewer students – and funds – left the pastor with no choice, but added that he hopes parents will consider transferring to one of their other Catholic schools.
"We have a history of excellence, and we have a future of excellence," said Hoyt.
Those who do will receive a $500 credit toward tuition for the coming school year, and students who transfer to Sacred Heart School will receive an additional $500.
Gouveia said he's done with the system and plans to try the public school system, but not in New Britain.
"We'll probably end up moving, and we have a bit of flexibility. So we're looking for other homes," he said.
