Saint Philip the Apostle RC Elementary School in Saddle
Brook to Suspend Operation In the July 9 letter sent home to parents, Rev. Robert McBride, pastor, wrote, “The Archdiocesan Superintendent of Schools asked us to consider operating a modified school program in the hope of re-growing our school. Although the finances for such a model were difficult, we decided to try to make it work. Unfortunately, many families for many reasons decided that they would send their children to other schools next near. At the present time, only about 85 students plan to return to St. Philip’s. This number is simply too low to permit us to continue in operation. “Archbishop John Myers, in granting my request that the school not open in September, asked me to convey to all school parents his apologies that this decision is being made at this late date. He also expressed his hope that St. Philip School would be part of a larger reorganization of Archdiocesan Schools in the not too distant future.” Enrollment since the 1997-98 school year has consistently been about 200, however the severe decline in enrollment would have caused a $400 per student increase in tuition. Parishioners would have to pay $2,800 for one child, while non-parishioners would pay $3,200 for one child. A process already exists to assist teachers who wish to continue teaching in Catholic schools.
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