Xavier Catholic Schools Announcement

December 5, 2023

Dear Parishioners, School Families, and Community supporters,

This communication is being shared as a final update to the important work of our schools and parishes as it relates to the Cedar Rapids metro task force recommendation of systemization and the Middle School exploratory study committee recommendation of consolidation. During the month of November the pastors have worked with great care and concern, specifically in regards to the future of the Cedar Rapids metro Catholic schools and the communities for which they serve. There was much careful consideration given to the process, concerns, and possible adjustments with a goal that consensus was achieved over the course of the discernment process. 

It is with much thanksgiving and gratitude to all those involved in any aspect of this process, most especially the pastors who have dedicated much time and discernment, that we share the results of that work.

It has been decided that it is in the long term best interest of parishes and Catholic education in the metro area for all the Catholic schools to become a system; all schools will now join together as a single corporation and represent Xavier Catholic Schools in an official capacity beginning July 1, 2024.

It has been decided that it is in the long term best interest for LaSalle Catholic and Regis Middle School to become a consolidated 6-8 middle school at a location to be determined, as part of the Xavier Catholic Schools system. 

Given the results of these efforts, the following work will begin immediately:

• Identification of process to create the new Xavier Catholic Schools school board
• Identification of process for central office leadership hiring
• Feasibility study about current and possible future locations for a 600 person 6-8 middle school.  St. Joseph will remain a PK-8 building for a minimum of five years, at which time system needs will be reassessed.

Additionally, the following timeline will be utilized, and adapted as necessary, to ensure progress towards the official systemization date of July 1, 2024.  Monthly communications will be shared around the 15th of each month to update our communities on this process.

• December:  Subsidy Formula Committee begins work
• January:  Constitution and Consolidation Agreement are drafted; XCS School Board created;

Central Office hiring begins

• February:  Constitution and Consolidation agreements are signed; Middle School Location Feasibility Study begins
• March:  Central Office hires continue; New Corporate Documents are drafted
• April:  Central Office and Contact Information communicated 
• May:  Middle School Location Feasibility Study report available
• June:  Current school boards hold last meeting
• July:  New system officially begins

We offer our gratitude for the important work of the Cedar Rapids area Catholic communities and extend prayers for continued efforts as work is done to continually enhance the faith filled educational offerings through a unified system.  Please be assured that you and your family remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Upcoming monthly communications will lay out work and provide answers to frequently asked questions.  In the meantime, if you have any questions, please reach out to your local building administrator.

Countless blessings to you and your family this holiday season,

Cedar Rapids Metro Task Force Leadership Team