HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS - Revision history

Randylyon at 02:29, 21 January 2025

2025-01-21T02:29:40Z

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	HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.		HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.

			See: Family Times, Online: https://www.holyfamilydbq.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/FamTimes-Fall12.pdf

	It has been said that one of the greatest elements of success in any		It has been said that one of the greatest elements of success in any

Randylyon at 16:25, 20 January 2025

2025-01-20T16:25:00Z

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	Perhaps one of the greatest changes in public and parochial education, Iowa's Education Savings Account Program gave approved students an amount of money equal to the per-pupil funds allocated to public schools by the state each year to pay for their tuition, fees, and other expenses at a state-accredited private school. In 2024-2025 the per pupil funding was $7,864.		Perhaps one of the greatest changes in public and parochial education, Iowa's Education Savings Account Program gave approved students an amount of money equal to the per-pupil funds allocated to public schools by the state each year to pay for their tuition, fees, and other expenses at a state-accredited private school. In 2024-2025 the per pupil funding was $7,864.

	Program eligibility stated that to receive the funding, students previously attending private schools had to have household incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level. In 2023-2024 the percentage was 300 percent. All incoming kindergarteners and public school students moving to private schools had been eligible for ESAs since the beginning of the program. Beginning in 2024, all Iowa families were eligible. In January, 2025 a news release indicated that 6.8% of statewide students using ESAs had previously attended a public school with 14.2% being incoming kindergarteners. According to the state's certified enrollment numbers, a total of 1,251 students residing within the ~~Dubuque Community School District~~ in 2025 were using ESAs. This was an 85.1% increase over the 676 studemnts using ESAs in the previous year. (58)		Program eligibility stated that to receive the funding, students previously attending private schools had to have household incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level. In 2023-2024 the percentage was 300 percent. All incoming kindergarteners and public school students moving to private schools had been eligible for ESAs since the beginning of the program. Beginning in 2024, all Iowa families were eligible. In January, 2025 a news release indicated that 6.8% of statewide students using ESAs had previously attended a public school with 14.2% being incoming kindergarteners. According to the state's certified enrollment numbers, a total of 1,251 students residing within the [[DUBUQUE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT]] in 2025 were using ESAs. This was an 85.1% increase over the 676 studemnts using ESAs in the previous year. (58)

Randylyon at 16:23, 20 January 2025

2025-01-20T16:23:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:23, 20 January 2025
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	On December 13, 2024 officials of Holy Family announced a universal tuition plan of the same fee across all grade levels. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, Holy Family Catholic Schools would charge $11,100 for students from kindergarten through high school. This marked a significant increase from current rates. Teachers in the school system would see pay increased in line with the new state minimums for public school teachers. Superintendent Philip Bormann said that "robust" financial support would continue to be available to students. Currently tuition ranged from $6,440 to $7,040 for elementary students, $6,720 to $7,320 for middle school, and $8,040 to $8,640 for those in high school. The published tuition rates were always lower than the actual cost which was subsidized through parish support, endowment, and donor support. The new plan would match the per-pupil cost to educate. (57)		On December 13, 2024 officials of Holy Family announced a universal tuition plan of the same fee across all grade levels. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, Holy Family Catholic Schools would charge $11,100 for students from kindergarten through high school. This marked a significant increase from current rates. Teachers in the school system would see pay increased in line with the new state minimums for public school teachers. Superintendent Philip Bormann said that "robust" financial support would continue to be available to students. Currently tuition ranged from $6,440 to $7,040 for elementary students, $6,720 to $7,320 for middle school, and $8,040 to $8,640 for those in high school. The published tuition rates were always lower than the actual cost which was subsidized through parish support, endowment, and donor support. The new plan would match the per-pupil cost to educate. (57)

			Perhaps one of the greatest changes in public and parochial education, Iowa's Education Savings Account Program gave approved students an amount of money equal to the per-pupil funds allocated to public schools by the state each year to pay for their tuition, fees, and other expenses at a state-accredited private school. In 2024-2025 the per pupil funding was $7,864.

			Program eligibility stated that to receive the funding, students previously attending private schools had to have household incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level. In 2023-2024 the percentage was 300 percent. All incoming kindergarteners and public school students moving to private schools had been eligible for ESAs since the beginning of the program. Beginning in 2024, all Iowa families were eligible. In January, 2025 a news release indicated that 6.8% of statewide students using ESAs had previously attended a public school with 14.2% being incoming kindergarteners. According to the state's certified enrollment numbers, a total of 1,251 students residing within the Dubuque Community School District in 2025 were using ESAs. This was an 85.1% increase over the 676 studemnts using ESAs in the previous year. (58)


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	57. Kelsey, Elizabeth, "Holy Family Announced Universal Tuition," December 13, 2024, p. 1A		57. Kelsey, Elizabeth, "Holy Family Announced Universal Tuition," December 13, 2024, p. 1A

			58. "More Than 1,200 Students in Dubuque District District Using ESAs," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 18, 2025, 5A


	[[Category: Schools/Universities/Colleges]]		[[Category: Schools/Universities/Colleges]]

Randylyon at 21:19, 21 December 2024

2024-12-21T21:19:45Z

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	On December 13, 2024 officials of Holy Family announced a universal tuition plan of the same fee across all grade levels. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, Holy Family Catholic Schools would charge $11,100 for students from kindergarten through high school. This marked a significant increase from current rates. Teachers in the school system would see pay increased in line with the new state minimums for public school teachers. Superintendent Philip Bormann said that "robust" financial support would continue to be available to students. Currently tuition ranged from $6,440 to $7,040 for elementary students, $6,720 to $7,320 for middle school, and $8,040 to $8,640 for those in high school. The published tuition rates were always lower than the actual cost which was subsidized through parish support, endowment, and donor support. The new plan would match the per-pupil cost to educate. (57)		On December 13, 2024 officials of Holy Family announced a universal tuition plan of the same fee across all grade levels. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, Holy Family Catholic Schools would charge $11,100 for students from kindergarten through high school. This marked a significant increase from current rates. Teachers in the school system would see pay increased in line with the new state minimums for public school teachers. Superintendent Philip Bormann said that "robust" financial support would continue to be available to students. Currently tuition ranged from $6,440 to $7,040 for elementary students, $6,720 to $7,320 for middle school, and $8,040 to $8,640 for those in high school. The published tuition rates were always lower than the actual cost which was subsidized through parish support, endowment, and donor support. The new plan would match the per-pupil cost to educate. (57)

Randylyon at 21:19, 21 December 2024

2024-12-21T21:19:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:19, 21 December 2024
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	Holy Family witnessed a five year enrollment decline from 2015-2020. The number of prekindergarten through 12th grade students declined 8.1% with the system having 1,775 students in 2020. Officials blamed the [[PANDEMIC]] and the district's decision to close Holy Ghost Elementary School and the English-based program at St. Anthony's school for the most recent declines. Holy Family was a able to retain 76% of the students which led to an increased enrollment at the remaining three elementary schools. (53)		Holy Family witnessed a five year enrollment decline from 2015-2020. The number of prekindergarten through 12th grade students declined 8.1% with the system having 1,775 students in 2020. Officials blamed the [[PANDEMIC]] and the district's decision to close Holy Ghost Elementary School and the English-based program at St. Anthony's school for the most recent declines. Holy Family was a able to retain 76% of the students which led to an increased enrollment at the remaining three elementary schools. (53)

	Before winter break, there was a time, during the [[PANDEMIC]], when daily active case totals were in the mid-20s at [[WAHLERT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL]]. Elementary and middle schools saw much ~~few~~ cases. it was determined at 95% of the cases were traced to sources outside of school with the remainder having no known cause. The use of masks, as in the public schools, was linked to controlling the spread of the disease. (54)		Before winter break, there was a time, during the [[PANDEMIC]], when daily active case totals were in the mid-20s at [[WAHLERT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL]]. Elementary and middle schools saw much fewer cases. it was determined at 95% of the cases were traced to sources outside of school with the remainder having no known cause. The use of masks, as in the public schools, was linked to controlling the spread of the disease. (54)

	In December, 2021 Holy Family officials announced that they had met their goal of raising $25 million. This was the largest fundraising effort in the system's history. The $25 million was be divided with $6.5 million going toward facility improvements including the renovation to accommodate Our Lady of Guadalupe Spanish Immersion School at the Kane Street campus home of Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School and [[WAHLERT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL]]. Contributions would also be made to the construction of the new Resurrection Elementary School. The remaining $18.5 million was to fund endowments supporting such initiatives as enhancing academic programs, investing in scholarships to recruit new students, and supporting salaries and benefits for faculty and staff. (55)		In December, 2021 Holy Family officials announced that they had met their goal of raising $25 million. This was the largest fundraising effort in the system's history. The $25 million was be divided with $6.5 million going toward facility improvements including the renovation to accommodate Our Lady of Guadalupe Spanish Immersion School at the Kane Street campus home of Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School and [[WAHLERT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL]]. Contributions would also be made to the construction of the new Resurrection Elementary School. The remaining $18.5 million was to fund endowments supporting such initiatives as enhancing academic programs, investing in scholarships to recruit new students, and supporting salaries and benefits for faculty and staff. (55)
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	The program was held in skepticism by many public school officials. Concerns included how taxpayer funds would be used by private schools which did not follow the same financial reporting requirements, open meetings laws, and other laws affecting public education. They were also concerned with how the new program would affect public districts' future funding. By its fourth year, the new program was expected to cost $345 million annually according to an analysis of the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency. While Iowa was decreasing revenues by cutting taxes and increasing expenditures, the ability of the Legislature to finance both programs was questioned. (56)		The program was held in skepticism by many public school officials. Concerns included how taxpayer funds would be used by private schools which did not follow the same financial reporting requirements, open meetings laws, and other laws affecting public education. They were also concerned with how the new program would affect public districts' future funding. By its fourth year, the new program was expected to cost $345 million annually according to an analysis of the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency. While Iowa was decreasing revenues by cutting taxes and increasing expenditures, the ability of the Legislature to finance both programs was questioned. (56)

			On December 13, 2024 officials of Holy Family announced a universal tuition plan of the same fee across all grade levels. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, Holy Family Catholic Schools would charge $11,100 for students from kindergarten through high school. This marked a significant increase from current rates. Teachers in the school system would see pay increased in line with the new state minimums for public school teachers. Superintendent Philip Bormann said that "robust" financial support would continue to be available to students. Currently tuition ranged from $6,440 to $7,040 for elementary students, $6,720 to $7,320 for middle school, and $8,040 to $8,640 for those in high school. The published tuition rates were always lower than the actual cost which was subsidized through parish support, endowment, and donor support. The new plan would match the per-pupil cost to educate. (57)







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	56. Kelsey, Elizabeth, "'A Huge Difference,'" ''Telegraph Herald'', November 19, 2023, p. 1A		56. Kelsey, Elizabeth, "'A Huge Difference,'" ''Telegraph Herald'', November 19, 2023, p. 1A

			57. Kelsey, Elizabeth, "Holy Family Announced Universal Tuition," December 13, 2024, p. 1A


	[[Category: Schools/Universities/Colleges]]		[[Category: Schools/Universities/Colleges]]

Randylyon at 21:14, 26 November 2023

2023-11-26T21:14:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:14, 26 November 2023
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	School officials stated that the new money was for faculty and staff pay and benefits as well as expanding and improving programming. It was also stated by school officials that although ESAs allowed more families to pay full tuition, the per-pupil annual allotment still fell below the school's "true cost to educate" per pupil. The remaining funds were coming through donation funds and parish support.		School officials stated that the new money was for faculty and staff pay and benefits as well as expanding and improving programming. It was also stated by school officials that although ESAs allowed more families to pay full tuition, the per-pupil annual allotment still fell below the school's "true cost to educate" per pupil. The remaining funds were coming through donation funds and parish support.

	The program was held in skepticism by public school officials concerned with how the new program would affect public districts' future funding. By its fourth year, the new program was expected to cost $345 million annually according to an analysis of the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency. While Iowa was decreasing revenues by cutting taxes and increasing expenditures, the ability of the Legislature to finance both programs was questioned. (56)		The program was held in skepticism by many public school officials. Concerns included how taxpayer funds would be used by private schools which did not follow the same financial reporting requirements, open meetings laws, and other laws affecting public education. They were also concerned with how the new program would affect public districts' future funding. By its fourth year, the new program was expected to cost $345 million annually according to an analysis of the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency. While Iowa was decreasing revenues by cutting taxes and increasing expenditures, the ability of the Legislature to finance both programs was questioned. (56)

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Randylyon at 21:05, 26 November 2023

2023-11-26T21:05:08Z

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	In December, 2021 Holy Family officials announced that they had met their goal of raising $25 million. This was the largest fundraising effort in the system's history. The $25 million was be divided with $6.5 million going toward facility improvements including the renovation to accommodate Our Lady of Guadalupe Spanish Immersion School at the Kane Street campus home of Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School and [[WAHLERT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL]]. Contributions would also be made to the construction of the new Resurrection Elementary School. The remaining $18.5 million was to fund endowments supporting such initiatives as enhancing academic programs, investing in scholarships to recruit new students, and supporting salaries and benefits for faculty and staff. (55)		In December, 2021 Holy Family officials announced that they had met their goal of raising $25 million. This was the largest fundraising effort in the system's history. The $25 million was be divided with $6.5 million going toward facility improvements including the renovation to accommodate Our Lady of Guadalupe Spanish Immersion School at the Kane Street campus home of Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School and [[WAHLERT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL]]. Contributions would also be made to the construction of the new Resurrection Elementary School. The remaining $18.5 million was to fund endowments supporting such initiatives as enhancing academic programs, investing in scholarships to recruit new students, and supporting salaries and benefits for faculty and staff. (55)

			In 2023 Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed the Students First Act which provided educational savings accounts for students in Iowa's private schools. The amount of money equaled the per-pupil funds allocated by the state each year--approximately $7,635--to pay for tuition, fees and other expenses at state-accredited private schools. By the September 30, 2023 program close date for the current school year, there were 892 such ESAs approved in Dubuque County. It was found that for Holy Family's enrollment of 1,649 students (excluding PreK) there were 530 students using ESAs of a percentage of 32.1%. Students who were already attending private schools were required to have household incomes at or below 300% of the federal poverty level in 2023 although all families would be eligible in the third year.

			By November, 2023, families receiving the ESA transferred half of the money to Holy Family. The second half would be paid at the beginning of the second semester. School officials reported that as of November, the district had received about $2.87 million--about the same amount it was said that would have been paid by the parents. Tuition was increased in the fall from 10% to 40% across the grades. ESA funds still more than covered the annual tuition for eligible Holy Family elementary and middle school students as well as all of most of the tuition for students at [[WAHLERT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL]].

			In addition to tuition, ESA funds could be spent on tutoring, textbooks, school fees, instruments, laptops and tablets, computer software, state-approved vocational and life-skills classes, services for students with disabilities, and standardized testing fees. The funds could not be used for food, clothing, transportation, child care, camps, or disposable supplies like pens and paper. Families finding they had extra money in their ESA after tuition and fees cdould purchase eligible supplies through the company running the ESA program, Odyssey.

			School officials stated that the new money was for faculty and staff pay and benefits as well as expanding and improving programming. It was also stated by school officials that although ESAs allowed more families to pay full tuition, the per-pupil annual allotment still fell below the school's "true cost to educate" per pupil. The remaining funds were coming through donation funds and parish support.

			The program was held in skepticism by public school officials concerned with how the new program would affect public districts' future funding. By its fourth year, the new program was expected to cost $345 million annually according to an analysis of the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency. While Iowa was decreasing revenues by cutting taxes and increasing expenditures, the ability of the Legislature to finance both programs was questioned. (56)

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	55. Garrett, Olivia, "Holy Family Tops Fundraising Goal of $25 Million," ''Telegraph Herald'', December 9, 2021, p. 1A		55. Garrett, Olivia, "Holy Family Tops Fundraising Goal of $25 Million," ''Telegraph Herald'', December 9, 2021, p. 1A

			56. Kelsey, Elizabeth, "'A Huge Difference,'" ''Telegraph Herald'', November 19, 2023, p. 1A


	[[Category: Schools/Universities/Colleges]]		[[Category: Schools/Universities/Colleges]]

Randylyon at 02:33, 12 December 2021

2021-12-12T02:33:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:33, 12 December 2021
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	Holy Family Catholic Schools and the [[DUBUQUE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT]] explored separate calendars. Holy Family's proposed 2014-15 school calendar eliminated weekly Friday late arrivals for professional development and established an earlier last day of school. For at least a decade, Dubuque's public and parochial schools followed an identical calendar because the community school district provided busing to Holy Family students. However, a shift to weekly Friday late arrivals in the district's adopted 2014-15 school calendar caused Holy Family officials to reconsider identical calendars. Holy Family officials stated elementary schools' child care programming required one adult for every 15 children, and an increase in the number of students every Friday with a late arrival would require more staff. Additional cost to parents for child care was also a concern. Instead of late arrivals or early dismissals, Holy Family's proposed calendar had professional development delivered in full days. (45)		Holy Family Catholic Schools and the [[DUBUQUE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT]] explored separate calendars. Holy Family's proposed 2014-15 school calendar eliminated weekly Friday late arrivals for professional development and established an earlier last day of school. For at least a decade, Dubuque's public and parochial schools followed an identical calendar because the community school district provided busing to Holy Family students. However, a shift to weekly Friday late arrivals in the district's adopted 2014-15 school calendar caused Holy Family officials to reconsider identical calendars. Holy Family officials stated elementary schools' child care programming required one adult for every 15 children, and an increase in the number of students every Friday with a late arrival would require more staff. Additional cost to parents for child care was also a concern. Instead of late arrivals or early dismissals, Holy Family's proposed calendar had professional development delivered in full days. (45)

	In 2006 an anonymous donation of $100,000 to Holy Family made possible the updating of technology at ~~[[ST~~. ~~JOSEPH THE WORKER]]~~ Catholic School. The donation allowed the purchase of laptop computers for every teacher and two classrooms full of Apple laptop computers. It also allowed wireless technology to be expanded, classroom projectors and technology training for the staff. (46)		In 2006 an anonymous donation of $100,000 to Holy Family made possible the updating of technology at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic School. The donation allowed the purchase of laptop computers for every teacher and two classrooms full of Apple laptop computers. It also allowed wireless technology to be expanded, classroom projectors and technology training for the staff. (46)

	In 2017 the Archdiocese of Dubuque announced that it had experienced an estimated 1% decline in enrollment among its K-12 student population in each of the past three years. (47) Early childhood enrollment had increased over 444 students over the same period. Affordability remained a problem. A school tuition organization provided aid to people living within 300% of the poverty rate. Lobbying efforts were being made for the creation of education savings accounts. (48)		In 2017 the Archdiocese of Dubuque announced that it had experienced an estimated 1% decline in enrollment among its K-12 student population in each of the past three years. (47) Early childhood enrollment had increased over 444 students over the same period. Affordability remained a problem. A school tuition organization provided aid to people living within 300% of the poverty rate. Lobbying efforts were being made for the creation of education savings accounts. (48)

Randylyon at 02:32, 12 December 2021

2021-12-12T02:32:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:32, 12 December 2021
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	Before winter break, there was a time, during the [[PANDEMIC]], when daily active case totals were in the mid-20s at [[WAHLERT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL]]. Elementary and middle schools saw much few cases. it was determined at 95% of the cases were traced to sources outside of school with the remainder having no known cause. The use of masks, as in the public schools, was linked to controlling the spread of the disease. (54)		Before winter break, there was a time, during the [[PANDEMIC]], when daily active case totals were in the mid-20s at [[WAHLERT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL]]. Elementary and middle schools saw much few cases. it was determined at 95% of the cases were traced to sources outside of school with the remainder having no known cause. The use of masks, as in the public schools, was linked to controlling the spread of the disease. (54)

			In December, 2021 Holy Family officials announced that they had met their goal of raising $25 million. This was the largest fundraising effort in the system's history. The $25 million was be divided with $6.5 million going toward facility improvements including the renovation to accommodate Our Lady of Guadalupe Spanish Immersion School at the Kane Street campus home of Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School and [[WAHLERT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL]]. Contributions would also be made to the construction of the new Resurrection Elementary School. The remaining $18.5 million was to fund endowments supporting such initiatives as enhancing academic programs, investing in scholarships to recruit new students, and supporting salaries and benefits for faculty and staff. (55)

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	54. Hinga, Allie, "Return to School? Not Just Yet," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 12, 2021, p. 1A		54. Hinga, Allie, "Return to School? Not Just Yet," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 12, 2021, p. 1A

			55. Garrett, Olivia, "Holy Family Tops Fundraising Goal of $25 Million," ''Telegraph Herald'', December 9, 2021, p. 1A


	[[Category: Schools/Universities/Colleges]]		[[Category: Schools/Universities/Colleges]]

Randylyon at 22:14, 13 February 2021

2021-02-13T22:14:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:14, 13 February 2021
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	Holy Family Catholic Schools and the [[DUBUQUE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT]] explored separate calendars. Holy Family's proposed 2014-15 school calendar eliminated weekly Friday late arrivals for professional development and established an earlier last day of school. For at least a decade, Dubuque's public and parochial schools followed an identical calendar because the community school district provided busing to Holy Family students. However, a shift to weekly Friday late arrivals in the district's adopted 2014-15 school calendar caused Holy Family officials to reconsider identical calendars. Holy Family officials stated elementary schools' child care programming required one adult for every 15 children, and an increase in the number of students every Friday with a late arrival would require more staff. Additional cost to parents for child care was also a concern. Instead of late arrivals or early dismissals, Holy Family's proposed calendar had professional development delivered in full days. (45)		Holy Family Catholic Schools and the [[DUBUQUE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT]] explored separate calendars. Holy Family's proposed 2014-15 school calendar eliminated weekly Friday late arrivals for professional development and established an earlier last day of school. For at least a decade, Dubuque's public and parochial schools followed an identical calendar because the community school district provided busing to Holy Family students. However, a shift to weekly Friday late arrivals in the district's adopted 2014-15 school calendar caused Holy Family officials to reconsider identical calendars. Holy Family officials stated elementary schools' child care programming required one adult for every 15 children, and an increase in the number of students every Friday with a late arrival would require more staff. Additional cost to parents for child care was also a concern. Instead of late arrivals or early dismissals, Holy Family's proposed calendar had professional development delivered in full days. (45)

	In ~~2017 the Archdiocese of Dubuque announced that it had experienced~~ an ~~estimated 1% decline in enrollment among its K-12 student population in each~~ of the ~~past three years~~. ~~(46) Early childhood enrollment had increased over 444 students over~~ the ~~same period~~. ~~Affordability remained a problem. A school tuition organization provided aid~~ to ~~people living within 300% of the poverty rate. Lobbying efforts were being made~~ for the ~~creation of education savings accounts~~. (47)		In 2006 an anonymous donation of $100,000 to Holy Family made possible the updating of technology at [[ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER]] Catholic School. The donation allowed the purchase of laptop computers for every teacher and two classrooms full of Apple laptop computers. It also allowed wireless technology to be expanded, classroom projectors and technology training for the staff. (46)

	In the ~~summer and fall~~ of ~~2019, five meetings were scheduled to outline proposals~~ of ~~a five-year strategic plan to~~ the ~~community~~. ~~Among~~ the ~~ideas were broader mentoring opportunities,~~ a ~~new orchestra program, and personalized learning initiatives allowing students to learn at their own pace~~. ~~Included would be opportunities for high~~ school ~~students~~ to ~~prepare~~ for ~~post-secondary~~ education ~~through programs such as internships and work experience~~. (48)		In 2017 the Archdiocese of Dubuque announced that it had experienced an estimated 1% decline in enrollment among its K-12 student population in each of the past three years. (47) Early childhood enrollment had increased over 444 students over the same period. Affordability remained a problem. A school tuition organization provided aid to people living within 300% of the poverty rate. Lobbying efforts were being made for the creation of education savings accounts. (48)

	~~Recruitment~~ and ~~retention of staff was the focus of the last~~ of five meetings ~~held in 2019 as the board~~ of ~~education discussed proposals for the system's~~ five-year strategic plan. Among the ~~considerations~~ were ~~improvement in pay and benefit plans starting with creating~~ a ~~401(k) match~~ and ~~making health insurance coverage less expensive~~ for ~~employees. Other thoughts included addition incentives~~ to ~~reduce tuition~~ for ~~full~~-~~time employees, offering reduced child care rates and offering student loan forgiveness and signing bonuses. Partnerships with colleges could led to ways to find excellent candidates~~ and ~~begin recruitment efforts~~. (49)		In the summer and fall of 2019, five meetings were scheduled to outline proposals of a five-year strategic plan to the community. Among the ideas were broader mentoring opportunities, a new orchestra program, and personalized learning initiatives allowing students to learn at their own pace. Included would be opportunities for high school students to prepare for post-secondary education through programs such as internships and work experience. (49)

	~~On October 16,~~ 2019 ~~members~~ of the ~~Board o Education of Holy Family announced that elementary programming at Holy Ghost Elementary School and St. Anthony Elementary School~~'s ~~English-based programs would end for the 2020~~-~~2021 school~~ year. ~~The Our Lady of Guadalupe Spanish Immersion Program would not be affected. Enrollment at both schools had fallen~~ in ~~recent years~~ with ~~each have fewer than eighty students in kindergarten through fifth grade in 2019-2020. Students would be able to attend other Catholic schools~~ and ~~system officials would begin working with families to ensure transportation in the future~~. ~~The money saved would be used~~ to ~~additional~~ tuition ~~assistance, relief to assessments paid by supporting parishes~~, and ~~increased salaries~~ and ~~benefits~~. ~~The Holy Ghost campus would be used as an early childhood center while the St. Anthony building would serve early childhood~~ and ~~Our Lady of Guadalupe students~~. (50)		Recruitment and retention of staff was the focus of the last of five meetings held in 2019 as the board of education discussed proposals for the system's five-year strategic plan. Among the considerations were improvement in pay and benefit plans starting with creating a 401(k) match and making health insurance coverage less expensive for employees. Other thoughts included addition incentives to reduce tuition for full-time employees, offering reduced child care rates and offering student loan forgiveness and signing bonuses. Partnerships with colleges could led to ways to find excellent candidates and begin recruitment efforts. (50)

	~~In December~~, 2019 ~~leaders~~ of Holy Family announced ~~several initiatives among the system~~'s ~~short~~-~~term goals~~-~~-part of the five~~ year ~~strategic plan approved by Holy Family's board~~ of ~~education~~. ~~Among the initiatives were renovations~~ to ~~elementary buildings, focus on student retention~~ and ~~assessing athletic facilities~~ in the ~~coming years~~. ~~Also approved was Holy Family's Platform for Excellence establishing long-term goals including increasing student diversity~~, supporting ~~arts programs~~, and ~~increasing student scholarships~~. (51)		On October 16, 2019 members of the Board o Education of Holy Family announced that elementary programming at Holy Ghost Elementary School and St. Anthony Elementary School's English-based programs would end for the 2020-2021 school year. The Our Lady of Guadalupe Spanish Immersion Program would not be affected. Enrollment at both schools had fallen in recent years with each have fewer than eighty students in kindergarten through fifth grade in 2019-2020. Students would be able to attend other Catholic schools and system officials would begin working with families to ensure transportation in the future. The money saved would be used to additional tuition assistance, relief to assessments paid by supporting parishes, and increased salaries and benefits. The Holy Ghost campus would be used as an early childhood center while the St. Anthony building would serve early childhood and Our Lady of Guadalupe students. (51)

	Holy Family ~~witnessed a~~ five year ~~enrollment decline from 2015-2020. The number~~ of ~~prekindergarten through 12th grade students declined 8~~.~~1% with~~ the ~~system having 1~~,~~775 students~~ in ~~2020~~. ~~Officials blamed the [[PANDEMIC]] and the district's decision to close~~ Holy ~~Ghost Elementary School and the English-based program at St. Anthony~~'s ~~school~~ for ~~the most recent declines. Holy Family was a able to retain 76% of the students which led to an increased enrollment at the remaining three elementary schools~~. (52)		In December, 2019 leaders of Holy Family announced several initiatives among the system's short-term goals--part of the five year strategic plan approved by Holy Family's board of education. Among the initiatives were renovations to elementary buildings, focus on student retention and assessing athletic facilities in the coming years. Also approved was Holy Family's Platform for Excellence establishing long-term goals including increasing student diversity, supporting arts programs, and increasing student scholarships. (52)

	Before winter break, there was a time, during the [[PANDEMIC]], when daily active case totals were in the mid-20s at [[WAHLERT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL]]. Elementary and middle schools saw much few cases. it was determined at 95% of the cases were traced to sources outside of school with the remainder having no known cause. The use of masks, as in the public schools, was linked to controlling the spread of the disease. (53)		Holy Family witnessed a five year enrollment decline from 2015-2020. The number of prekindergarten through 12th grade students declined 8.1% with the system having 1,775 students in 2020. Officials blamed the [[PANDEMIC]] and the district's decision to close Holy Ghost Elementary School and the English-based program at St. Anthony's school for the most recent declines. Holy Family was a able to retain 76% of the students which led to an increased enrollment at the remaining three elementary schools. (53)

			Before winter break, there was a time, during the [[PANDEMIC]], when daily active case totals were in the mid-20s at [[WAHLERT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL]]. Elementary and middle schools saw much few cases. it was determined at 95% of the cases were traced to sources outside of school with the remainder having no known cause. The use of masks, as in the public schools, was linked to controlling the spread of the disease. (54)

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	45. Becker, Stacey. "Separate Calendar for Holy Family," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 27, 2014. Online: https://www.questia.com/read/1P2-35747353/separate-calendar-for-holy-family		45. Becker, Stacey. "Separate Calendar for Holy Family," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 27, 2014. Online: https://www.questia.com/read/1P2-35747353/separate-calendar-for-holy-family

	46. Hinga, Allie. " 'Catholic "Labor of Love': Schools Fight Trends," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 3, 2017, p. 1A		46. Fuerste, Madelyn, "Holy Family Gets $100,000," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 6, 2006, p. 1A

			47. Hinga, Allie. " 'Catholic "Labor of Love': Schools Fight Trends," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 3, 2017, p. 1A

	47. Ibid., p. 2A		48. Ibid., p. 2A

	48. Hinga, Allie, "Holy Family Pushes Personalized Learning, ''Telegraph Herald'', July 24, 2019, p. 1A		49. Hinga, Allie, "Holy Family Pushes Personalized Learning, ''Telegraph Herald'', July 24, 2019, p. 1A

	49. Hinga, Allie,"Holy Family Eyes Strategies for Retention," ''Telegraph Herald'', September 25, 2019, p. 3A		50. Hinga, Allie,"Holy Family Eyes Strategies for Retention," ''Telegraph Herald'', September 25, 2019, p. 3A

	50. Hinga, Allie, "Holy Family Board to Close 2 Schools," ''Telegraph Herald,'' October 16, 2019, p. 1A		51. Hinga, Allie, "Holy Family Board to Close 2 Schools," ''Telegraph Herald,'' October 16, 2019, p. 1A

	51. Hinga, Allie, "Holy Family to Examine Diversity, Retention," ''Telegraph Herald'', December 21, 2019, p. 1A		52. Hinga, Allie, "Holy Family to Examine Diversity, Retention," ''Telegraph Herald'', December 21, 2019, p. 1A

	52. Hinga, Allie, "Enrollment Declines in Dubuque," ''Telegraph Herald'', October 22, 2020, p. 1A		53. Hinga, Allie, "Enrollment Declines in Dubuque," ''Telegraph Herald'', October 22, 2020, p. 1A

	53. Hinga, Allie, "Return to School? Not Just Yet," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 12, 2021, p. 1A		54. Hinga, Allie, "Return to School? Not Just Yet," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 12, 2021, p. 1A


	[[Category: Schools/Universities/Colleges]]		[[Category: Schools/Universities/Colleges]]