Bishop made mistakes with school consolidations, should give everyone a break

Many things have changed since Joseph Martino was named bishop of The Diocese of Scranton, most of them not for the good of the people, however. There are two huge mistakes committed by this bishop.

The first one: combining four Catholic high schools in Luzerne County, two in Lackawanna, and many elementary schools across the diocese. While it was apparent we were in financial trouble and that some schools had to be closed, he went about it all wrong. He would not even listen to our ideas and opinions to make the transitions smoother and not ruin all of the seniors’ last year in high school.

What would have been so difficult about planning this out with a nice, five-year plan instead of spontaneously closing these schools? He left many students and teachers uncertain about their futures. All this was done behind closed doors without our input. He didn’t even let us pick our school’s name, and I sure know that students of the four former high schools didn’t vote to have the Royals as a mascot.

But, his decision was final and he didn’t want to give us the courtesy of listening to our thoughts. It’s ironic too, since God gave us two ears and one mouth.

The second big mistake he made is not letting the teachers have a union. By denying the teachers the right of having a union, many teachers could leave to a teaching job that has a union.

He already messed up our senior year enough, but now due to him being stubborn about the right to form a union, he’s now driving teachers to have “sick-outs.” I don’t blame the teachers for being angry and wanting union representation, but I don’t want this to affect end-of-the-year activities for seniors.

Every single teacher I have ever had over my years in high school went above and beyond in helping students.

I hope that these teachers do not leave because the bishop won’t let them form a union.

Bishop Martino, you do not realize our school is made up of three types of people: the students, the teachers and the parents – all of equal importance. When one of us suffers, we all suffer, because everyone has to contribute their share for the school to function properly. We all may not agree at times, but we all have respect and care for one another. We all want what’s best for everyone.

You, Bishop Martino, try to hide behind a mask of “absolute authority” and do not value our opinions. Honestly, can you blame us for being angry? Your actions, so far, have indicated that you are no leader.

All in all, I want to thank you for almost ruining my senior year of high school, but I have managed to salvage good out of it, as many of my friends have been able to. I have been keeping up good grades and remained on the National Honor Society. I had a lot of fun playing football with new and old friends. I met new people and some good friends from the other schools.

But most of all everyone in our school is united now for a good cause. There is less than half of the school year left, and all I ask of you is to give us a break. Give the seniors and teachers across all the schools in the diocese a much-deserved break.

Clear 32°

Letters to the Editor

Place Quick Ads