Archdiocese: Catholic schools need not pay to appeal closure decision

Philadelphia’s Fox 29 reported today that rumors of the Archdiocese charging appeal fees to Catholic schools that have been slated to close are untrue.

UPDATE: 4:30 p.m.

The St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls Alumnae Association and Advisory Board today issued the following statement:

“In response to the Archdiocesan statement today that raising funds is not a prerequisite to an appeal hearing, the St. Hubert’s Advisory Board and Alumnae Association gratefully accept this recent news and will redouble their efforts at fundraising.

“All parties are aware that school deficit reduction is a critical component of any successful appeal. Therefore, our supporters, friends and family will continue their generous giving and solicitation efforts with the ultimate goal of significantly bolstering our likelihood of success on January 25 at the appeal hearing.

“We welcome this positive news by the Archdiocese and stand ready to fully proceed with our appeal as well as our fundraising drive in order to keep St. Hubert High School open for future generations of women.

“We are moved by the tremendous support showed at this morning’s rally and the generosity that is pouring in.

“In light of this growing movement by the community to help St. Hubert stay open, the Board and Association will maintain their goal of raising $1.2 million in order to ensure the long-term viability of St. Hubert’s as well as provide possible tuition assistance.”

Philadelphia’s Fox 29 reported today that rumors of the Archdiocese charging appeal fees to Catholic schools that have been slated to close are untrue.

Church offials said schools need only apply through the regular process to appeal the decision of the Blue Ribbon commission.

An alumni group at St. Hubert’s, one of the schools recommended for closure by the Archdiocese’s Blue Ribbon commission, said earlier this week that church officials asked them for $1.2 million to hear their appeal.

The group told Fox 29 today that they still plan to raise $650,000, a figure roughly equal to the school’s deficit between the school years beginning in 2006 and 2010.