Saint Bernard School Affirms Mission with New Governance Structure

 

MEDIA RELEASE
Joint Statement from the Saint Bernard School Board of Directors and the Diocese of Norwich

Saint Bernard School Affirms Mission with New Governance Structure

Uncasville, Conn. — [July 30, 2025] — The Board of Directors of Saint Bernard School, in close collaboration with the Diocese of Norwich, is pleased to announce a strategic transition in the school’s governance structure that positions the school for long-term growth and stability while affirming its identity as a Catholic institution. Starting with the 2025–2026 school year, Saint Bernard’s will operate independently of diocesan sponsorship while continuing to be formally recognized by the diocese as a Catholic school.

The Board of Directors’ request to assume complete control over governance of the school, and the diocese’s agreement to relinquish its limited reserve powers, reflect input from families, alumni, donors, and faculty who believe that such a structure will strengthen philanthropic support and expand access to Saint Bernard’s distinctive Catholic education.

The Board of Directors had expressed concern that the recent diocesan bankruptcy and resultant sale of the school property had negatively impacted their development efforts. This decision also comes after constructive dialogue between the Saint Bernard Board, diocesan leadership, and the Xaverian Brothers who have been a governing partner with Saint Bernard’s since 2010. All parties are united in their desire to ensure that Saint Bernard’s continues its 70-year legacy of providing an academically rigorous and faith-filled education to the families of Southeastern Connecticut and beyond.

Bishop Reidy states, “Our Catholic Schools are a vital part of the life of the Church, particularly in the formation of young people in Catholic faith and virtue. I want to offer my full support for the success of Saint Bernard School in this endeavor and willingly accede to this request of the Board of Directors. To our school families, alumni, faculty and staff, benefactors, Board of Directors, Xaverian Brothers, the faithful of the diocese, and the Mohegan Tribe, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you for your support of this venerable institution.”

Echoing Bishop Reidy’s comments, the Board wishes to share the following: To our alumni, donors, and friends in the community, we are sincerely grateful for your enduring support and commitment to Saint Bernard’s. As we move forward, the Board is exploring the establishment of a dedicated endowment that would allow donors to contribute, knowing their generosity and every dollar contributed would directly support the school’s students, programs, and long-term mission. We hope you will continue to walk with us on this journey and help sustain the vibrant future of Saint Bernard’s.

We are especially grateful to our dedicated faculty and staff whose passion, care, and commitment have shaped Saint Bernard’s into the faith-filled community it is today. Your continued leadership in nurturing the spiritual and academic growth of our students is the heart of our mission.

The Saint Bernard Board remains steadfast in its commitment to Catholic education and to operating the school in a manner rooted in Gospel values. The Diocese of Norwich will continue to fulfill its canonical role to safeguard the Catholic identity of the school and support its Catholic  mission. We are thankful the diocese remains a strong advocate for Saint Bernard’s.

We also wish to express deep gratitude to the Mohegan Tribe for their steadfast support during recent transitions. Their partnership has been instrumental in preserving the future of our school and exemplifies the spirit of mutual trust and neighborly care that lies at the heart of our mission.

As we look ahead to the 2025–2026 school year, we are filled with excitement and hope. Saint Bernard’s is poised to grow stronger, more sustainable, and more deeply rooted in our Catholic faith - together with our students, families, alumni, community partners, and the Diocese of Norwich.

Signed,
The Board of Directors of Saint Bernard School
The Most Reverend Richard Reidy, Bishop of Norwich
The Xaverian Brothers

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