Exploring ways to save school

When Wayne and Cindy Tate looked for a school for daughter Maya, they eventually chose an aging Catholic institution miles away from their northwest Omaha home.

The Tates liked the diver­sity of the student body at Holy Name School, near Maple Street and Fontenelle Boulevard in northeast Omaha. They were impressed by the way the school taught values and instilled good behavior. They even liked the school uniforms.

“I'm extremely happy that we chose Holy Name as our chil­dren's school,” Wayne Tate said. Maya, now in third grade, has been joined by her sister Han­nah, who is in kindergarten.

Sunday afternoon, however, Wayne and Cindy Tate were among about 200 concerned people who sat inside the cafete­ria at Holy Name Church to dis­cuss a financial crisis that could close the school at the end of the school year.

Officials at the 93-year-old church say they have until March 15 to drum up more than $300,000 to cover the school's current deficits. If they are unsuccessful, about 200 Holy Name students might have to find new schools.

Even if the money is raised, Holy Name School could contin­ue to post large deficits if poor economic trends continue.

“Covering the deficit for this year is a Band-Aid, not the so­lution,” said the Rev. Frank Baumert, pastor of Holy Name Church. “This month we can pay the bills. Next month, we're in trouble.”

The economic recession com­bined with unexpected mainte­nance costs to cause the school's financial problems. Tuition can't be raised, school officials said, because many students' fami­lies already require help to pay the bills.

Supporters began to hatch a plan to save the school after word of the its fiscal troubles began to spread. They began writing checks and calling their friends, as well as building Web sites to solicit donations. They also are targeting private foun­dations for contributions.

Once the immediate need is met, Baumert said, the school and Omaha's Catholic Archdio­cese can focus on creating a sus­tainable plan for the future.

Advocates said Holy Name School provides invaluable ben­efits to north Omaha. They note that the school is backed by a strong church parish and alum­ni of the now-closed Holy Name High School.

Baumert said consolidating area Catholic schools wouldn't save much money in the long run and would create other problems.

Another meeting will be held Feb. 28 in the church cafeteria to discuss fundraising progress. “It's in everybody's best inter­ests to keep this open,” said Sofia Kock, the school's principal.

Contact the writer:
444-1068, johnny.perez@owh.com

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