Saint Hedwig RC Elementary School in Elizabeth Closes The declining numbers in enrollment, mixed with the escalating costs of quality education, were both factors in the decision to close. In a letter sent home to the parents, Rev Marciniak wrote, “As of August 15, fifty-five children enrolled at St. Hedwig’s for 2002-03 school year, causing us to face a deficit of at least $350,000. Parents would have to be charged tuition far beyond their means to keep the school in operation.” The letter also reminded parents that almost half the student population was unable to re-register after it was announced in May that the school’s tuition would have to be raised from $1730 to $2230 per child for a family within the parish. The Superintendent of Schools Office in the Archdiocese of Newark will do its best to accommodate the students’ need for placement in another Catholic school in Elizabeth. Seven other Catholic elementary schools in Elizabeth – Bender Memorial Academy, Blessed Sacrament School, Elizabethport Catholic, St. Catherine School, St. Genevieve School, St. Mary of Assumption School, and St. Anthony School – offer affordable, quality Catholic education equivalent to St. Hedwig. St. Elizabeth of Hungary and St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Elementary schools in neighboring Linden will also accept students from St. Hedwig for enrollment in the 2002-03 school year. A process already exists to assist teachers who wish to continue teaching in Catholic schools. A representative of the Archdiocesan Schools Office will be meeting with teachers to explain their options and assist them with the transition.
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