Private schools in crisis

We spend a lot of time writing about the school funding crisis in Illinois. The disparity in spending between wealthy and poor districts. Inadequate foundation levels. Over-reliance on property taxes. Crowded classrooms. The list goes on.

These issues are very real and very relevant. They do, after all, affect a majority of school-aged children in the state, as well as anybody looking at their property tax bill.

Still, there are hundreds of other Illinois schools facing financial turmoil without much of a watchdog: the private ones.

Because they're not taxpayer supported institutions, private schools aren't required by law to open their meetings to the general public; to talk to reporters about changes in programs; to even let us on their grounds.

That's not to say private schools don't share their stories with us. They often call to spread good news, and in my experience, have been more than happy, most of the time, to answer questions when things go awry.

Still, the fact remains that many of their stories often go untold.

A few weeks ago, I was working on a piece about private school enrollment levels and the economy. Starting out, I assumed some schools would be severely affected by the downturn, others more or less immune.

A colleague of mine thought the topic would be pointless to explore.

"For every kid in private school," he said, "there's another on the waiting list. The economy isn't going to change that."

As is one of the biggest blessings of reporting, both of us were proven wrong.

Of the dozens or so private schools across "Herald City" I interviewed - every single institution reported being affected by the downturn in some form.

Across Addison, Elgin, Arlington Heights, Hoffman Estates and Des Plaines, enrollment numbers are down.

Families, with one or more parents who have lost a job, are struggling to paying their bills on time, or even at all.

Despite this, schools are hanging tough - getting creative with strategies to help keep their classrooms full.

Driscoll Catholic in Addison lets students and parents help with after school chores to work off bills.

St. Mary's in Elgin is selling "Manna" gift cards, a portion of which goes to the school or an individual family.

St. Joseph in Elgin raised a lot of eyebrows this week - with school principal Janine Bolchazy agreeing to dress in a plaid jumper and kiss a piglet if the students raised $20,000 for financial assistance.

These schools are all facing some of the biggest challenges in their history, facing them completely on their own.

For many families, including mine growing up, private school was explained as necessary sacrifice.

Along with solid academics, it's the communal atmosphere, the faith and service lessons that make those tuition bills worth paying, my dad used to say to my brother and me.

I can't tell you how grateful I am for the dedicated teachers, principals and coaches who nudged me along during my formative years. For the education that was provided on far less than a $5,734 foundation level.

I hope and pray that my alma mater, and so many other schools, are able to hang on tooth and nail during these tough times.