Gloucester City Councilman Comments on 153 -Year- Old School Closing
Friday, July 08, 2011
By Sara Martino
Gloucester City News
The subject of the closing of St. Mary’s School came up at the recent Gloucester City Council meeting.
Councilman Daniel Spencer, who is the chairman of the Development Committee for the school, said the situation has been discussed for at least 2 1/2 years prior to the closing announcement.
“We met with Bishop Galante several years ago when the Bishop said he set up discussions with two other parishes that were also in trouble,” he said.
“At that time, the school needed $400,000 to keep the doors open. Enrollment has been down because the parishioners could not afford the rise in the tuition. The school is a financial drain on the parish. Loans were taken out, “Spencer said.
“We tried to inform parents years ago that finances were needed to keep the school open,” he said.
“Three pastors, including Msgr. James Curran, recommended the closing due to financial reasons. Also, right now the enrollment includes only 150 to 180 students,” he said.
According to reports, Gloucester High School may be able to accept some junior grade students, and other students may have to be bused to other districts.
“We questioned the Bishop as to the reason that some money went to the Camden City schools and not to St. Mary’s. Right now, we have only $50,000 from pledges. We give credit to the parents who are trying to save the school, but so far there is not enough money,” Spen-cer said.
“St Mary’s, since it opened 153 years ago, is such a big part of our City. I attended the school as well as my children and other family members. Many of our residents also attended the school for generations,” he said.
“So far, the Bishop is not listening,” Spencer said.
Donations are still being accepted to help save the school and a Facebook page has been set up giving the latest information on the ongoing pleas to save the school.
In other business, Council voted on an ordinance after a public hearing that approves a $5,000 increase in the salary of both the Chief of Police and the Deputy Chief of Police.
The increase, which is still within the minimum and maximum range of their appointed salaries, will be paid retroactive to January, 2011.
During the public forum, resident John Schmidt asked, “Do we have an active superintendent of Public Works or a permanent acting clerk?”
Mayor William James answered that because of legal actions the clerk has not been named yet.
Schmidt also mentioned concerns about beryllium, a nuclear residue, found in the dirt that is at the Southport project.
A resident of Meadowbrook Run complained about potholes in the entrance leading to the development. He showed pictures of the area to the governing body.
The mayor said the problems are being corrected.
Steve Martorano complained again about “terrible odors” coming from a huge trash bin located at a business close to his home.
Councilman Nicholas Marchese said that according to the rules of Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), they demand that the bins be closed and not left open.
Spencer said the on-going truck parking, which Martorama complained about also in that area, should be enforced by the Police Department.
