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Private Catholic schools: one grad's response
Catholic New Times, April 24, 2005 by Kevin Brannigan
Kevin Brannigan of Welland, Ont. attended De La Salle college as a student in the mid-1970s. A t that time Del was under the Metro Separate School Board. Since then De La Salle (named after a French nobleman whose charism was to serve the poor) has left the Board and is serving another clientele today. This is Brannigan's response to a letter for financial support. He once again raises the question of private Catholic schools.
Dear Brother,
Thank you for your response to my letter responding to the appeal for funds. I must say that I found the response quite condescending, and frankly, full of assumptions that bear further scrutiny.
Tuition
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The math lesson you refer to is quite accurate and valid. I pointed out quite factually what the real cost was to the parents, or students, or a combination of both. It was possible for working class parents to afford De La Salle in the years 1974-1976, the years that I attended the school and was charged tuition. I have consulted with two economists, who are of the opinion, given the current average income levels in Toronto, versus your current tuition levels, that it would be next to impossible for multi-children families with incomes under $60,000 to attend your institution. It is important to note that while your tuition levels have increased 10-fold, income levels have not, certainly not in the working class demographics.
Staffing
While I concede that the staffing model (a combination of both laity and Brothers) in the 1970s created a distorted economic model, I question the real impact. In the three years that I paid tuition, I only had one Christian Brother teach me in one course. Twenty-three of 24 teachers were receiving salaries, so your statement that "it is easy to keep costs down when you don't have to pay staff," seems far too much of a generalization.
My Years at the college
Your opening sentence in the fourth paragraph is confusing. "Of course, not surprisingly, you have made some enormous assumptions about your years at the college." I have read my letter to you, and I made no assumptions about my years at the college. My comments are factual. I never stated that all the students were of working class background. I am quite aware that there were many wealthy boys in attendance. (Believe me, my Parkdale address was rubbed in my face many a time! Probably by the same folks you describe as socially irresponsible). You go on to say "the view you have been given by some one is too simplistic and inaccurate." I have not obtained my views from others, and if I had, I would be upfront and give credit to their points of view. I actually take offence at the suggestion. "I find it remarkable that some former students are quite oblivious to the history of this particular school." I prefer not to get into a debate about this, but I will point out that I actually do know a fair bit about the old De La Salle.
I understand and empathize with your reasons to remove De La Salle from a taxpayer-funded system in order to protect the Catholic nature of the school. I disagree with your point that "anyone with even a cursory knowledge of the state of Catholic education since full-funding was implemented, should know- that it is not what it was." This is a very subjective opinion, one that many Catholic educators in other schools would disagree with. It implies that Catholic education was outstanding prior to full funding (very debatable), and that it has deteriorated since. It may have in some schools; it may also have improved.
The intent of my letter was to learn more about the new De La Salle. but your response has convinced me that it bears little resemblance to the school I attended. I admit that I have a soft spot for the working poor. (I never forget where I grew" up, and I also know that but for the grace of God, I could still be there!)
The reality is the private De La Salle is not the school I attended. When I attended, you either had the marks to get in and stay in or you did not. There was a matter of tuition, but it was certainly manageable. That is no longer the case. Helping out 300 students over ten years is 30 per year, and while admirable, it is not anything to be particularly proud of. Your web site states that there are 570 students at the Institution, so in effect, you are helping out approximately five per cent of the population. Your letter of solicitation may help to rectify that. However your last paragraph is a little contradictory. You actually suggest that I not participate (an interesting response). But you also state: "Hopefully those who, like you, were recipients of a quality Catholic education will respond with unqualified generosity." You make several points throughout your letter that question "the actual catholicity of the school," hence the decision to go private. I can only assume that the school was not Catholic enough for you, but Catholic enough that it made me a recipient of a quality Catholic education, and thus a potential donor.
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