Freeholders to Diocese of Camden: Rethink Closing Wildwood Catholic High School

CREST HAVEN – Cape May County Freeholders on Tuesday, Jan. 26 were set to pass a resolution asking that the Diocese of Camden reconsider its intention to close Wildwood Catholic High School which is located in the community of North Wildwood.
Director Daniel Beyel said, “It would normally be outside the scope of the Board to express any opinions or voice any statements pertaining to the policy or decision making of the Roman Catholic Church. However, the recent decision of the Diocese of Camden to close Wildwood Catholic High School has such far reaching implications to Cape May County that this Freeholder Board is compelled to express its objections.”
The Board sited a number of reasons for taking action including the outcry of disapproval of closing the school from municipal governments, businesses, community groups, families and residents and the concern that closing Wildwood Catholic High School would have a harmful effect on businesses, parents, employees and teachers.
Beyel added, “Denying the opportunity of a full K through 12 Catholic education will undermine Cape May County’s efforts to maintain and restore a strong base of year round families and will slash a vital part of our history and tradition.”
Additionally, the Board believes the closing of Wildwood Catholic will cause a strain on other public high schools in the county as well as reduce the volunteerism to charitable and non-profit organizations that is a part of every Wildwood Catholic student’s education.
Beyel concluded, “ Just as the Diocese of Camden expects Cape May County and its sixteen municipalities to provide services to its reported over $200 million tax exempt properties, the Freeholder Board similarly believes the Diocese should provide desiring teenagers religious instruction and a spiritual environment during their most impressionable years. Also, in light of the substantial donations the Diocese of Camden and its parishes receive from county residents and summer visitors, it is not unreasonable to request that Wildwood Catholic High School stays open regardless of a financial deficit.”