February 27, 2020
Dear Friends in Christ:
It is with deep personal sadness that I write to inform you that Trinity Catholic High School will not reopen its doors for the 2020-21 academic year. This decision comes after much consultation with diocesan and school leadership and the heroic efforts of many to keep the school open.
To have to make this decision was difficult and a great sorrow for me. As you recall when I introduced Imagine 2020 four years ago, my desire was to create a single vibrant campus for Catholic education that would span grades Pre-K 3 through 12. However, because of many factors which we have tried to address these past years, this vision will not be realized in the immediate future.
There are three factors that have prompted my decision. First, total enrollment for next year is projected to be between 100-110 students. This is a number that is simply unsustainable if we wish to maintain a full service, vibrant and formative high school experience for our students. Second, while this year’s budget deficit is projected to be $1,300,000 (a deficit that the Diocese will cover), a projected student population of 100-110 for next year suggests a deficit in excess of $2,300,000. This is a sum too great for the Diocese to support and would extend it beyond what is fiscally responsible. Finally, since our common concern is to provide an excellent educative and formational experience for our students, such a small high school population will not allow us to provide the extra-curriculum and athletic programs that you desire and value.
In my judgment, it is in the best interests of our students and faculty that we assist them, to the best of our ability, to find another school of their choice where they can continue their academic and professional lives.
For those parents who wish to have their son or daughter continue in secondary Catholic education, representatives from our other Catholic high schools will be available at Trinity Catholic High School on Wednesday, March 4th from 6:30 to 8:30 PM to meet with you and provide important registration and transportation information.
For those who have already registered for the next academic year, your registration fees will be refunded in full to you shortly.
Allow me to express my thanks to the members of the Board of Trinity Catholic High School, the administration, faculty and staff for all their past efforts to stabilize and grow the high school. There was immense work, often done at great personal sacrifice, for which I am deeply grateful. I am also appreciative of the many suggestions and plans that were offered in response to the future planning needs of Trinity Catholic High School. While none of these plans proved viable enough to succeed, they represent the good will, generosity and dedication of many people in our community. I am grateful for their commitment and work.
Even though this news is deeply saddening, I know that the administration, staff and faculty are committed to providing the best possible education and Catholic formation to the young people entrusted to our care in the remaining months of this academic year.
As always, I entrust the coming months to the loving protection of Mary, the Mother of God. May she provide us consolation, strength and perseverance as we move forward with the mission of Catholic education.
With every best wish, I am
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano
Bishop of Bridgeport
