St. Anthony School: We Are Not Closing

The administration is hoping to squash rumors this week that despite what some parents may have heard, the school will be open next year.

The Catholic school has been in Butler for more than 130 years, according to the school's website.

"At a general meeting with our pastor, parents, staff and longtime friends of the community last week, it was decided that our beloved school will remain open next year. We believe this decision is testament to our commitment to ensuring that the St. Anthony School legacy of providing a faith-based academically excellent education for children and families in the local community remains intact for many, many years to come," said Monday.

Graham Fill, a parent of two St. Anthony School students, said parents were invited to a meeting on May 3 entitled "Failure is Not an Option Meeting: The Re-Birth of a New School" after they had heard rumors that the school could not afford to stay open. However, Fill said the parents were informed that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Paterson had made accommodations to keep the school open for one more year. 

"Father [Mike Jones] said that he would make available the funds to keep the school open for this year, but we need to increase enrollment," Fill said.

A call to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Paterson was not returned.

Fill said when Catholic schools are usually having financial trouble the parents are not given much notice. However, in St. Anthony's case, Fill said Jones was "proactive and announced that there is a problem" so that he could get parents involved in trying to help the school. 

Fill said the parents have come together under the St. Anthony Parents Home and School Association (HSA) and within one week raised $50,000.

"We have many other parents who have gone out to their suppliers who said, 'Now it's time to help,'" he said.

In an effort to increase enrollment, Fill said the parents have been increasing awareness about the school and what it has to offer. Fill said he thinks many parents are turned off from St. Anthony School because they fear the tuition costs, not knowing of the programs the school has available to assist with tuition.

"I think a lot of people get frightened away because it's a private school," he said. "They immediately think, 'I just can't afford that.' We have set up funds and initiatives to help people come to St. Anthony and enjoy what we call the 'St. Anthony family.'"

Fill also noted that a student does not have to be Catholic to attend the school.

"It's a Catholic faith-based school, but we do have students who are not Catholic but they appreciate what we, as a school, do for children, as far as morals and just overal good values," he said.

The parents will continue to raise money and awareness throughout the year. Anyone interested in donating can contact the HSA here.