In a twist of fate for Cicero's St. Frances of Rome School, a hefty grant from the Big Shoulders Fund has ensured that the school's doors remain open despite the state's aid program taking a curtain call. The Catholic institution was on the chopping block after "Invest in Kids", the scholarship program providing funds for private and religious schools, was not extended at the end of 2023. "I was getting all choked up in church this morning listening to the kids sing, thinking we can continue doing things like this," school principal Phil Jackson expressed his relief, as reported by ABC7 Chicago.
However, just days earlier, parents from Cicero and nearby Berwyn were up in arms, protesting the Archdiocese of Chicago's plans to close local Catholic schools, which included St. Frances of Rome. Amid chants and heartfelt signs, at least two dozen parents stood outside the Holy Name Cathedral's rectory, according to Hoodline. They called for Cardinal Blase Cupich to reconsider the impending closures set for June. Parent coordinator, Betty Paz lamented the deficient dialogue from the archdiocese, "We have requested an open parent forum to have our questions answered."
The dilemma painted by these school closures highlights the challenges for working-class families, particularly in the Hispanic community. Brenda Sanchez, a parent at St. Frances, told the Chicago Tribune, "It’s very hard because we are low-income families, and we barely make money to send our kids to this school." The loss of the scholarship program equates to pulling the rug out from under families who have few affordable educational alternatives.
The response from the Catholic Church's hierarchy has been one of fiscal concern, with the archdiocese claiming a multi-million dollar shortfall due to the disappearance of "Invest in Kids." Superintendent of Catholic Schools Greg Richmond pointed out, "Those hurt the most, are schools, like St. Frances of Rome, who serve the greatest number of low-income students." But the sudden reprieve brought by the Big Shoulders Fund has given at least one school community in Cicero a reason to hold on to hope.
