Despite economy, Pocahontas school's enrollment is up

By Susan Thielemier
Pocahontas Correspondent

POCAHONTAS -- The announcement that Pocahontas would be losing its largest manufacturing plant sent warnings of gloom and doom in an already sluggish Randolph County economy. Yet just months following the closure of Waterloo Industries in May, St. Paul School is adding a second kindergarten class.

In addition, the preschool class for 4 year olds has doubled since it began in 2005.

A steady increase in enrollment has followed a decline in students at the turn of the century. According to school records, enrollment went from 134 in 2000 to 92 by 2002. Then it rose to 96 in 2004 and 106 in 2006. This fall the enrollment is 117.

St. Paul School at a glance Click here

Former principal Rebecca Jansen, who led the school for the past five years, said the economy is a "huge factor" for private schools that depend heavily on enrollment for its operational funds. St. Paul's increased enrollment is "very unusual" when put alongside the current unemployment rate, which according to Randolph County Chamber of Commerce director Wayne Gearhart, is 10 percent. The state average is 5 percent.

Vernell Bowen, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Little Rock, credits Jansen's leadership in the school's recovery.

"I feel that Rebecca Jansen's skill as an administrator brought about significant changes that improved curriculum and quality of staff," Bowen said. "In Catholic schools that have leaders that adhere to the mission of Catholic schools, maintaining high academic programs and have sound fiscal practices, the schools tend to be successful."

She said when enrollment falls below 100, it can sometimes create problems for school leaders.

"Since income to operate schools is based on enrollment, it sometimes becomes very difficult to maintain and hire quality staff when the enrollment drops below 100," Bowen said. "We do have some Catholic schools that have enrollments under 100, but this means that the parish usually has to subsidize at a higher rate."

In St. Paul's case, the school was able only use the interest off its endowment fund rather than tapping into the principal to compensate for the loss of income while it had a smaller enrollment, Bowen said.

"The size of the school's endowment provides interest to help subsidize the school," she said. "When schools have a dip in enrollment or a financial crisis having an endowment helps to ensure the viability of the school."

While she said she believed Jansen's professionalism was key in the improvements at St. Paul, it would not have possible "without the support of the parish." A philosophy Jansen also shares.

"Parental involvement is vital not only in the success of the school, but also the success of the child," Jansen said. "All the parishioners help by giving of their time, talent and money to make it happen."

And just what did they make happen?

Believing that reading is the key that unlocks the door to learning, Jansen automated the school library with "age-appropriate books" during her first year as principal in 2002-2003.

The following year, Jansen said she employed the grant writing skills she acquired during the years she taught in Pocahontas public schools to get a CASA grant. This, along with proceeds from a private donation, equipped the school with a computer lab.

During her third administrative year, Jansen said she expanded the lab to ensure computer availability for an entire class. That same year technology was added to include an individualized math program.

During her fourth year, the preschool program for 4 year olds was added, and it doubled in size the following year, she said.

In addition, during her tenure as principal, Jansen worked with faculty to align the math curriculum and sponsor an annual math and science night to promote parental involvement along with a science fair. She also furthered the music, drama and sports programs.

"We have a highly qualified faculty who work together as a team," Jansen said.

Jansen also regularly promoted school activities in the community.

"She was a good public relations person in that she promoted the positive aspects of her school," Bowen said.

New principal Karla Thielemier said this fall the preschool class was filled to near capacity with only two openings remaining. The kindergarten enrollment increased to 22 students, thus creating the need for an additional class.

"We take great pride on individual education," Thielemier said. "If you put 22-to-24 students in a classroom, you wouldn't get that. We talked to (pastor) Father John (Marconi) and he allowed us to start the second class in order to maintain the high academic standard."

Thielemier said she plans to build upon the strong academic programs implemented by Jansen and would one day like to see seventh- and eighth-grade classes added.

"I have prayed a lot for growth," Thielemier said. "We exist only because of Christ. If we can gain students, we can plant a seed for a life centered in Christ. If it weren't for that, I don't think I'd be here. Yes, we have a great curriculum, a great teaching team, but our main goal is to instill the love of Christ to each child we are given. It's a great opportunity."

Thielemier taught at the school for a total of nine years. She was principal from 1999-2001 when she moved to St. Louis. She returned in 2004 as a teacher.

"It's not just about their math ability, it's the whole picture. For when their emotional needs are met, they can flourish academically. Even as adults, when we're upset about something, we can't focus as well," Thielemier said. "It's no different for a child. We live in a diverse environment. The key is in knowing, and understanding, each individual child. We're a family; it's not I teach and then I go home. When a child hurts, we hurt."

St. Paul School at a glance

Current enrollment: 117

Date established: 1880

How it began: Father Eugene Weibel started the school in the church with lay volunteers as teachers. In 1887 four Benedictine sisters from Maria Rickenbach, Switzerland, were sent to Pocahontas to assist Father Weibel. The school's first principal, Sister Beatrice Renggli, OSB, opened the school on Jan. 2, 1888, with 103 students in first through fourth grades.

Basic history: Grade levels were added through the years until 1939 when the school went to the 12th grade. Since 1967, a lay principal has led the school. A kindergarten was added in the 1980s. In 1989, grades 7-12 were closed. The following year a daycare program was established. A preschool program for 4-year-olds was added in 2005.

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