Catholic Schools In Ottawa Merging

A letter signed by pastors at St. Columba and St. Patrick was sent out this month to parishioners to say they’re working towards having one school on three different campuses instead of the current set up of a separate high school and two grade schools. This was recommended from a consultant who studied all schools in the Peoria Diocese.

The pastors say they’re spending over 70 percent of their Sunday offerings on the grade schools and high school with the costs outgrowing income. Church officials don’t want to raise tuition because it may keep financially struggling families from enrolling in their schools.

Former Regional Superintendent of Schools in La Salle County William Novotney has been picked to lead the consolidation effort. Church officials say the consolidation won’t close any of the three buildings.