MONROE - Plans to add a middle school to St. Victor School are on hold as the school studies the issue further.
The school, run by St. Victor Catholic Church Parish, considered adding a middle school earlier this school year. Last fall, it shared its plan with the Monroe School District, and said a sixth-grade could be in place as early as fall 2008. Officials from the public school system indicated their support of the parochial school's plan.
The school offers 4-year-old kindergarten through fifth grade with an enrollment of about 123 students.
Many parents asked about adding the middle school grades, according to a letter from Father Mike Klarer, St. Victor School principal Joe Peters and a group of parishioners sent to school parents in February.
"Our study has netted a great deal of wonderful support, along with many questions and the realization that more information needs to be gathered," the letter said. "During this study other vital issues surfaced that are essential as we manage and continue our growth.
"We won't add sixth grade in the coming year to give us the opportunity to study these issues and get more input from parents," they wrote.
Initially, the school wanted to add one grade each fall, beginning in 2008. Each grade has about 20 students, Peters said this week.
Financing is one issue that needs to be resolved.
"While the parish has supported our school generously we realize the importance of the school becoming more self sufficient while always welcoming those who need tuition assistance," according to the letter. "We also realize that in justice we need to increase salaries and benefits for our faculty."
Another issue that needs more consideration is space for the middle school.
The school is asking for volunteers to help study and find solutions to these issues.
While there's no timeline for adding a middle school, Peters said the parish wants to move ahead and develop plans further.
"There's a strong desire to continue in this discussion," he said. "There's a lot of people still very interested in this happening."
The school, run by St. Victor Catholic Church Parish, considered adding a middle school earlier this school year. Last fall, it shared its plan with the Monroe School District, and said a sixth-grade could be in place as early as fall 2008. Officials from the public school system indicated their support of the parochial school's plan.
The school offers 4-year-old kindergarten through fifth grade with an enrollment of about 123 students.
Many parents asked about adding the middle school grades, according to a letter from Father Mike Klarer, St. Victor School principal Joe Peters and a group of parishioners sent to school parents in February.
"Our study has netted a great deal of wonderful support, along with many questions and the realization that more information needs to be gathered," the letter said. "During this study other vital issues surfaced that are essential as we manage and continue our growth.
"We won't add sixth grade in the coming year to give us the opportunity to study these issues and get more input from parents," they wrote.
Initially, the school wanted to add one grade each fall, beginning in 2008. Each grade has about 20 students, Peters said this week.
Financing is one issue that needs to be resolved.
"While the parish has supported our school generously we realize the importance of the school becoming more self sufficient while always welcoming those who need tuition assistance," according to the letter. "We also realize that in justice we need to increase salaries and benefits for our faculty."
Another issue that needs more consideration is space for the middle school.
The school is asking for volunteers to help study and find solutions to these issues.
While there's no timeline for adding a middle school, Peters said the parish wants to move ahead and develop plans further.
"There's a strong desire to continue in this discussion," he said. "There's a lot of people still very interested in this happening."