FINANCE RELATED

With regard to the $1.9 million debt has the task force been given a specific guideline for the terms of repaying that debt? For example, will the Archdiocese wait 5, 10, 15 years?

What dollar amount is expected by the school from the parish? Has this budgeted support (i.e., from the parish to the school) been realized in each of the last 5 to 10 years? If the budgeted support from the parish to the school is not realized this year or next year, what funds will be available (if any) to make up the deficit.

If our budget is currently in balance would the archdiocese consider debt forgiveness?

Can endowment money be used?

How does it work if a school closes with the endowment money from Virginia Byers?

SCHOOL RELATED

What percentage of school expenses are paid by tuition? (John said 15%). How much has this been affected by tuition-paying fillies who have left the school recently?

How many other schools with similar demographics were invited to participate in the study immediately?

Regarding community outreach, marketing and development – many of the “other” outside funding sources have dropped off over the last 1-2 years as St. Matt’s relationship with those funding sources have withered. For example, St. Francis parish used to contribute $10,000 to $15,000 year but since the Development Director was laid off from St. Matt’s they’ve had no contact with St. Matt’s parish.

GENERAL

What is the goal of the Archdiocese? Is the focus debt or mission? You said there was no preconceived target for the task force. What about the Archdiocese? Is the Archdiocese willing to continue to support St. Matthew.

What is the viability of the church without the school?

Do we have any idea as to when a decision is going to be made about the school?

Are there any building concerns that will or could become urgent in the next 5 years?

Just to clarify – the local task force makes a “recommendation” if the school is viable to stay open or not, but the Archdiocese is accountable for the final decision – so they are a part of the process.

The school accomplishes things that benefit the community at large and could conceivably be supported by their donations if there were a guarantee that not 1 penny of the donation would to to the pope or pedophile priests. Would St. Matthew’s be willing to make that commitment (and transparent enough to verify that.