Our Lady of the Valley
Pastoral Council & Finance Committee Minutes
Emergency Joint Meeting on February 1, 2012
Present from Parish Council: Dave Crosby, Mary Marcus, Laura Picco, Barb Jones,
John Peisher, Dave Parmley, Joan Coleman and Hector Hoyos
Absent from Parish Council: Michelle Sexsmith, Nancy Coleman, George Hooper,
David Weyand and Kim Smith
Present from Finance Committee: Gary Mikolajczyk, Fran Tucker, Roberto Avila,
Sister Dolores Ann Stein, James McKeown, Sandra Bishop, Jim Locker, Lisa Sexsmith
and Joanne Clark
Others Present: Lisa Dirlam (School Principal), Karen Rinefierd (Liaison from the
Diocese), Donna Haraty (Business Manager), Fr. Peter and Fr. Paulinus
The meeting was called to order by Dave Crosby at St. Ann School Pine Room.
Fr. Peter opened the meeting with prayer and reflection.
At the conclusion of the opening prayer Fr. Peter welcomed everyone.
Public Forum:
There was no public forum. No members of the public were present.
Welcome & Ground Rules:
Fr. Peter welcomed Karen Rinefierd (Liaison from the Diocese) and introduced her to the
committee members. Father thanked Karen for attending the meeting.
Fr. Peter requested that all attendees introduce themselves and state which committee
they served on. Self introductions commenced of all present.
Next, Fr. Peter set the ground rules for the meeting. After he set the ground rules Fr.
Peter had Donna Haraty (Business Manager) explain a handout she presented each
member. Donna explained the handout which showed both the best and worst case
scenarios for the parish and school. Once Donna finished her discussion on the handout
she opened up the floor for questions, comments and concerns.
Open Forum:
The following is a synopsis of what was discussed during the open forum (not in any
particular order):
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Talk about Hornell not being able to support the financial needs of both the
school and church.
It was announced that 75% of students at St. Ann School receive subsidy from
scholarship funds (including Schuster money). Next year the school will have
a 5% tuition increase with limited subsidy for students. Discussion on if the
school had enough students who can afford a tuition increase with little to no
subsidies commenced. Lisa Dirlam (School Principal) mentioned that she
gets frustrated when she hears that scholarship money is not available as we
still have $50,000 to distribute to future students. She thinks that there are
parents that get scholarship funds that will keep their children enrolled
without the financial assistance. Also, Lisa Dirlam mentioned that scholarship
funded tuition may be able to continue if a search for endowment money
commences. She mentioned Dr. Mario Argentieri setting up a scholarship
fund in the memory of his wife.
Tuition discounts for school family members (50% discount) was discussed.
Lisa Dirlam believes that if the discount was no longer honored these students
would still be enrolled at the school.
The school needs $508,000 to run for one year. Only $146,000 is collected
from students for tuition. There was a lengthy discussion on how to raise
funds, cut expenses and attain the money needed to keep the school operating
another year.
Discussion at length on fundraising and hitting budget figures. There was
discussion about a letter written by Lisa Dirlam asking for help to raise
$60,000 for the school.
Several members requested a budget or summary showing what expenses the
parish would incur if the school closes. It was asked that these figures be
included in the worst case scenario for the parish. Overall, it was requested
that a scenario of what the parish would have to pay next year if the school
closes be determined and shared with all members.
What advice did the diocese have at the viability meeting? According to a
member present at the viability meeting, there are a number of schools in the
diocese that are in the same financial hardship. It was announced that the
“diocese said they do not see us pulling through this without a saving grace of
a major donation.” Those present at the viability meeting asked the diocese
what other schools are doing that are in the same situation as St. Ann School.
The response from the diocese is that most of the schools in the same financial
situation have closed.
What about the school opening its doors to host a daycare? There is a
shortage of daycares in the area and there is a potential of collecting money
that could help pull the school through its financial troubles. It was
determined that the rules of the diocese and state regulations have made this
next to impossible.
Clarifications on Parish and School Financial Reports:
There was a question and answer session held to help answer all questions members had
on the financial reports presented.
Process to Receive Recommendations from Council Members on St. Ann School:
Fr. Peter asked each member to write their recommendation on a piece of paper.
According to Fr. Peter, these recommendations will be shared with the Bishop and the
diocese.
Each member wrote a recommendation and shared their opinions. Fr. Peter collected the
recommendations for reflection and prayer. He announced that he will use these
recommendations to make his decision.
Fr. Peter asked for “space to pray to come to a decision beneficial for our faith
community.” He asked to keep things confidential and to not attach names to any beliefs
presented at the meeting.
Fr. Paulinus led the councils in a closing prayer.
Meeting was closed at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Marcus
Secretary of Parish Council