Catholic Diocese to Keep St. Mary’s School Open
By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic School, Ocean Township, got a reprieve from closure due to the concerted efforts of its parents.
Donna Campagna, PTA co-president, was one of many who presented a counter proposal the Trenton Diocese after St. Mary’s, along with other diocesesan schools, was slated to be closed. She said there is a dedicated force of parents who presented a strategic plan to the diocese.
Campagna, who is also a member of the school’s marketing committee, says she is “elated” by the news that the school will remain open for another year.
The diocese recently announced that it will work to help the coastal Monmouth Schools stay open instead of building a new school in western Monmouth County, where there is a growing Catholic population.
This is good news to Campagna, whose two children attend the school, and all the parents who fought so hard to keep their little school, with an enrollment of about 170 students, open.
“This is a wonderful thing,” says Campagna, “I love the school, I wouldn’t have fought so hard for it if I didn’t.
It’s a wonderful little school with great academics. It’s definitely a school worth saving.”
Deborah Agresti, who is also co-president of the PTA is convinced that the aggressive marketing campaign implemented last summer turned the situation around for them.
“Our principal, Marie Beebe, called us and had parents do a new ad campaign,” says Agresti. “We created a new website, new brochures and lawn signs.”
Agresti said she believes that putting together such an effective campaign in such a short time made an impression on the diocese.
“I’m glad the diocese gave us a stay,” she added.
Agresti has two children in the school and one in St. Jerome’s Nursery School.
“I believe in Catholic education,” she says, adding that she hopes the school stays open forever.
The PTA is holding a fund raiser Sunday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. for prospective students.
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