While it is true that the Our Lady of Hungary School has cost the diocese $150,000 this past year and over $300,000 over the past three years, it remains our hope that this splendid school remain open. It is not accurate to say that the continuance of the school is contingent on raising this amount of money by May 1. Rather, we hope that efforts now underway by the parish may significantly reduce the ongoing debt and make significant progress towards a balanced budget.
At a recent meeting with the pastor and the school principal, we laid out several avenues, which we hope will lessen this financial loss. It is my hope that the school can remain open. If we find that this is not possible, we will do everything we can to place the students in neighboring schools and to find positions for the teachers.
However, we will continue to work with the pastor and the principal over the next several weeks to address serious financial concerns.
This school reaches many children who live in difficult situations and a significant number are minorities. It remains strong academically and religiously. We will do our best.
