D.C. Catholic School Conversion Begins
posted 6:20 pm Tue October 09, 2007 - Washington
Eight D.C. schools are undergoing a major overhaul as they begin converting from private Catholic schools to public charter schools.
"We can still teach the kids and love the kids in a Christ-like way without having to talk about Christ," explains Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian School's Interim Principal Christian White in Southeast.
The Archdiocese of Washington can no longer afford to keep 8 of its 12 inner-city schools open, so they are switching them to publicly funded charter status or they will have to shut down the schools.
The D.C.-area's Catholic School Superintendent Patricia Weitzel-O'Neil said, "the reason for this new framework is so that we do not abandon these children."
Each school has until October 20th to respond and it has made many parents upset.
"I don't think it's a good idea. I opted for a Catholic education for my daughter." Catholic parent April Walton said. "There's structure, they're religious."
"We just found out about this in September." Joe McKenzie with the Committee to Save Black Catholic Schools Spokesman said. "And now they're imposing this deadline upon us and there's very little chance of success if not given enough time."
A final decision is expected October 31th.
The Archdiocese of Washington can no longer afford to keep 8 of its 12 inner-city schools open, so they are switching them to publicly funded charter status or they will have to shut down the schools.
The D.C.-area's Catholic School Superintendent Patricia Weitzel-O'Neil said, "the reason for this new framework is so that we do not abandon these children."Not a member yet? Click Here to sign up.
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