Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh Announces Closure of Quigley Catholic High School

Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh Announces Closure of Quigley Catholic High School
 
Bishop David Zubik has accepted a formal recommendation by the Catholic High Schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Inc. (CHSDOP) Board of Directors to close Quigley High School effective at the end of the current school year.

This decision was based on the assessment of declining enrollment, unsustainable cost projections and insufficient funds to assure the long-term viability of the school.  With a current projected enrollment of 93 students for the 2020-2021 school year, the ability to offer a full educational experience, with a broad array of academic, extracurricular and athletic programs that Quigley students value and deserve, not only becomes compromised, but is virtually impossible. Compounding the existing financial and enrollment issues is the devastating economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that has already been felt throughout the region.

“I acknowledge the great sadness that comes with this announcement for Quigley students and their families, administrators, teachers, staff, and alumni, all who are affected by this very difficult decision.  It is heartbreaking for me, as well,” Bishop Zubik said.

Assistance will be provided to students who wish to enroll in another Catholic high school, and every effort will be made to help Quigley faculty and staff to find positions with other diocesan schools. 

In a letter to Quigley families, Tim Waxenfelter, acting co-principal, longtime faculty member and coach, said, “the Holy Spirit was never more present at Quigley Catholic than this school year.”  He shared that although the Quigley Catholic community was trying to come to grips with previous financial shortfalls and a drop in enrollment, the school developed a new website, made a plea for alumni scholarship support. “Despite all our efforts, we were not able to reduce costs enough, or increase contributions enough to bring the budget into balance,” he said.

Waxenfelter also acknowledged, with pride, “the enthusiastic, spirited, faith-filled student body,” and recognized Quigley Catholic parents who “were enthusiastic and generous partners in the journey…whose smiling faces and encouragement nourished the Quigley Catholic community in a very special way.”

“For 53 years Quigley Catholic High School has provided exceptional education for its students in a family atmosphere steeped in Gospel values and the mission of the Catholic Church.  Quigley drew its rich educational heritage in Beaver County from its predecessor schools, Mount Gallitzin High School and Saint Veronica High School, my own beloved alma mater,” Bishop Zubik said in a letter to the Quigley community. “While every difficult decision that I am faced with making weighs very heavily upon me as Bishop, this decision was, without exaggeration, agonizing. As some of you are aware, in my early priesthood I had the great privilege of serving as a faculty member and as vice principal at Quigley Catholic.   

"I do know firsthand the spiritual richness and academic excellence that have defined Quigley over many decades. I pray that, with God’s grace, the Quigley spirit and legacy will remain alive for a long, long time.”