PINE BLUFF — Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced May 10 during St. Joseph School’s high school graduation that he will give a “year of grace” to the school to remain open for the 2012-13 school year.
A few months ago, Bishop Taylor established three benchmarks that the school needed to meet in order for the school to remain open:
To have 60 students pre-enrolled for the 2012-13 school year
To raise $200,000 in cash and pledges
To produce a balanced budget based on realistic figures.
The pre-registration is currently at 51 students. A total of $158,000 in cash and pledges has been raised.
Although the school has not reached the first two benchmarks, a balanced budget has been submitted to the Office of Catholic Schools indicating that the current number of pre-registered students will be sufficient for operation. The school is also granted permission to begin enrolling fifth- and sixth-grade students for 2012-13.
Bishop Taylor is directing the Office of Catholic Schools to oversee operations of the school including staffing, reorganizing the school board, oversight of the finances and providing support for the development of a strategic plan.
After a 19-year absence, St. Joseph Junior High reopened in 1993 at St. Joseph Church for grades 7-8, followed by a ninth grade in 1994. In 1999 a 10th grade was added, creating St. Joseph High School. In 2000 a high school was built in south Pine Bluff and an 11th grade was added. The first graduation occurred in 2002. In 2005 the junior high classes were relocated to the high school.
Click to read Bishop Anthony B. Taylor’s address made May 10 during St. Joseph School’s high school commencement in Pine Bluff.
More coverage of this news will appear in Arkansas Catholic’s print and digital editions of May 19, 2012.
