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A Summary of Minutes from the Parish Council Meeting February 18, 2010

Present: Fr. Jerry, Fr. Nathan, Paula Beine, Don Felix, David Beine, Ted Casper, Heidi Fellenz, Mike Melaney, Colleen Mas, Mary Young.   Absent: Carol Bork, Mike Nowack, Frank Stangl.    Some members of the day school committee were guests. 

Mike Melaney did a reflection on the gospel story of the loaves and the fishes 

Fr. Jerry did a presentation on the school situation:

Long term vision:

• When he arrived in 1995 our school enrollment was 462, Cabrini was around 440, St. Mary around 200.  We are now 340, Cabrini 398, St. Mary 105
• The baptismal records have shown a steady decline in the number of baptism.
• Consolidation talks with St. Mary’s have not worked out.  They have a very different culture. Cabrini & HA have similar programs.  Families from here indicated that they would not go to St. Mary’s but would go to Cabrini.
• If 25 is the ideal number for a class maximum, our current enrollments indicate that if Cabrini and HA were combined there would be only 2 classes in grades 1-8 where the total would be over 75.  We could be functioning with 3 teachers in those classes of 75 or less.  If the numbers continue to decline HA should consider having one class at each grade level and sending the extra students to Cabrini.

Short term action:

• The budget we received last month had a school subsidy of $597,000 and a deficit of $60,000. The trustees and finance committee are opposed to a deficit budget. Since there are only 28 students in 1^st grade there will be only 1 class of 2^nd grade next year. The policy was applied to the current 7^th grade. This will save $40,000.

A raise freeze will save $15,000.  A further increase in tuition will be needed. 

• Principal Sternig proposed a 63% 2^nd teacher.  Fr. Jerry said we could not afford.
• Various other cost savers were suggested particularly janitorial staff.

As part of the school report Pat Bollen presented a proposal for a 2 day a week 3K and extended care program.

• The 3K program would be in the viewing room.  Remodeling & furnishing estimated at $6500-$10,000 paid for from Faith In Our Future funds.
• With a $1,000 tuition, break even point would be 12 students.
• Extended care would be in a class room used for morning K with 8 students needed to break even.
• Finance had approved.  Council gave consensus approval.

A proposal to have a monthly hospitality Sunday run by the council was considered.

• The discussion extended into the welcoming committee, the parish website, why people join the parish, and recruiting new parish families.
• It was suggested that perhaps council members could be Mass greeters.