St. Mary Catholic School will consolidate with other schools, diocese says

St. Mary Catholic School in Lincoln will be consolidated at the end of the 2018-19 academic year, according to a spokesman for the Diocese of Lincoln. 

Father Nicholas Kipper says the consolidation is limited only to the school, and will not affect continued operations of St. Mary Parish. 

The consolidation will be primarily with Blessed Sacrament and Sacred Heart schools, Kipper said. 

Pastor Father Douglas Dietrich and Principal Nina Beck will visit with each school family individually to ensure students will go to the most appropriate school. 

Students who attend St. Mary but are members of other parishes will meet with their pastors regarding placement for the upcoming school year. 

John Perkinton, diocesan superintendent and Dr. Matthew Hecker, diocesan chief administrative officer, will meet with each of the faculty and staff members of St. Mary School to discuss possible future employment options.

Efforts will be made to assist St. Mary’s faculty and staff to continue their careers within the diocesan school system, Kipper said. 

Bishop James Conley accepted the recommendation of St. Mary Parish to consolidate its school operations noting years of study, dating as early as 1995, conducted by multiple committees and task forces, involving a wide variety of priests, educators and paid consultants, in addition to lay faithful including professionals skilled in school finance and education.

“This decision was not made in haste,” Bishop Conley said. “Consolidation is a decision that can only be
made with a heavy heart, and after completing a great deal of research.”

In 2013, the Diocese of Lincoln hired the consulting firm Meitler to conduct a study and propose a five year strategic plan for the diocesan schools.

Five diocesan schools were cited by Meitler’s 2014 study as operating in financial deficit.

“I extend my most sincere gratitude to all those who have contributed to this decision-making process
in any way,” Bishop Conley said. “Over the years, many individuals have given unselfishly of their time and
talents in assisting with this process.”

The bishop particularly acknowledged “the exceptional and devoted efforts of the pastors, principals, faculty, staff, families, parishioners and benefactors” of the five schools in need of additional financial support.

“To the St. Mary School family,” Bishop Conley said, “I thank all of you for decades of witness to Jesus
Christ and his Church. Administrators, teachers, staff, students, families, supporters – you have all made
sacrifices to ensure the formation of Christian disciples who will serve Christ for generations to come.” 

“While this decision was difficult, it was made to ensure that St. Mary students continue to receive an affordable
Catholic education, just in a different place,” he said. “I pray it will bring our school communities
closer together, and that it will make all of us stronger and more faithful followers of Jesus Christ.”
Father