From the Brink Into the Black

Dear Fellow Parishioners:

From the Brink into the Black—that’s the expression Principal Dian Carter has been using to describe a five year journey at Saint Ambrose School. Five years ago the school was on the brink of financial collapse after several years of budget overruns. The parish was heavily in debt as a result. Five years later (2012-2013 school year), Saint Ambrose School expenses from operations were under budget (“in the black” in accounting terminology). This is truly an amazing accomplishment.

There were a few keys to success. Under the inspiring leadership of Mrs. Carter, we have a highly dedicated faculty and staff. One example is how members of the faculty and staff continuously improve their own skills through participation in professional learning communities. Secondly, through an extensive strategic planning process the entire school community formulated a vision for a comprehensive program for the formation of each child’s mind, body, and spirit. This means finding creative ways to offer music, foreign language, public speaking, art, sports and physical education at a time when other schools are cutting these programs for budgetary reasons. Finally, school families are committed to the success of the school. Did you know that most new families come to Saint Ambrose because of a recommendation from a current school family?

There are many other reasons I boast about how we brought Saint Ambrose School From the Brink into the Black but the main thing I would say is that the success of Saint Ambrose School is the result of a community of people working together with determination to provide something great for our school children. Thank you to everybody who participated in this journey.

Your brother,
Fr. Kevin Carlin Kennedy
Pastor