Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Merger

of St. Anthony and st. bonaventure schools

What are the benefits of the merger?
This merger provides new opportunities for the elementary students and teachers in the Columbus Catholic Schools.

• • • • • • • A greater emphasis can be placed on providing special education services to students needing extra assistance and providing programming for students that excel in their studies.
            • Our teachers will be able to work collaboratively with their peer teacher at their grade level.
            • Teachers will also benefit from the peace of mind that they can stay at their current grade level and not have to move grades due to changing enrollment. This can reduce the risk of turnover among our dedicated staff.
            • The merger also provides better use of our financial resources and reduces the burden on the parishes.

What will staffing look like at merged schools? Will all current staff be guaranteed a job?

• • • • • • • Our goal is to have 14 classroom teachers to create a two track system for the merged schools.
            • All current teaching staff at both locations will be offered a position at the school. Retirements at each location will allow us to utilize current staff to fill the position of classroom teachers and special education.
            • Mrs. Amy Sokol will be the principal of the school and Mrs. Cheryl Zoucha will start a new role as head of family engagement and campus ministry for all of our CCS elementary students.

What factors were considered that led to the merger?
Over the last four years, the Columbus Catholic Schools have experienced challenges in the following areas.

• • • • • • • Over the past few years, our parishes have experienced a steady decline in the number of children ages 0-4 registered in the parish. This decline is already evident in our lower elementary grades, where enrollment is significantly smaller than in the upper grades.
            • We have also had several retirements the last couple years and expect around 5-6 more in the next five years.
            • The teacher shortage being experienced around the state and nation make filling those positions a difficult process

What other options were explored regarding this merger?
For the last four years a variety of groups look at our current situation. This included parents and community members that were part of focus group. Our building principals and priests have been part of this process as well as the Catholic Schools Office in Omaha. Each of these groups explored the following options.

• • • • • • • Keep our current system in place
            • Create a two school model that included a K-2 and a 3-6 building
            • Reduce St. Bonaventure Elementary down to a one track school
            • Relocate 6th graders to Scotus Central Catholic
            • Merge St. Anthony and St. Bonaventure schools.

After discerning all of these options the CCS board recommended the merger of St. Anthony and St. Bonaventure. This plan was approved by Archbishop McGovern, Father Harrison, Vickie Kauffold (Superintendent of Catholic Schools), our board of education, and our elementary principals.

What about the St. Anthony daycare and pre-school?

• • • • • • • It is our recommendation that the St. Anthony daycare and pre-school also merge with the St. Bonaventure location. Each location has had some enrollment challenges and this will allow for staffing and resources to be used more effectively.

Is it a requirement that the St. Anthony students attend the merged school?

• • • • • • • No, it will not be a requirement that students from St. Anthony attend the newly merged school. Currently, each of our elementary schools have students from other parishes. The most important thing is provide a Catholic education for our families and allow them to choose the school that is the best fit for them.

What are the anticipated class sizes after merging?

• • • • • • • At the current enrollment numbers at St. Anthony and St. Bonaventure we can expect class sizes to be around 18-19 students. This provides our teachers the opportunity to still give our students the attention they need and meet the operational needs of the school.

Will the building be too crowded after the merge?

• • • • • • • St. Bonaventure Elementary is equipped with 14 classrooms to meet the needs of a two track school. The class sizes at each of our two elementary schools will stay under 19.

Will the school have a new name?

• • • • • • • The merging of the two schools provides an opportunity to create a new name. the CCS will engage our students, parents, and community in this process. It is important to honor the legacy of both schools in this process.

Have more questions?
If you have additional questions that weren’t addressed in this FAQ, please feel free to reach out. You can email us at questions@colcath.org and we’ll be happy to answer.