Complaints

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• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/05/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am writing to formally address my concerns regarding the enrollment fees paid to St. Matthew School on January 29th, 2024, totaling $600. It has become apparent that a lack of effective leadership, poor communication, inadequate support for staff, and a lack of transparency have contributed to significant staff attrition, with at least 70% turnover anticipated for the 2024-2025 academic year. This information was not disclosed to families before the push for early enrollment due to perceived demand. Additionally, vacancies in the grades my children are slated to enter in the Fall were not communicated prior to enrollment.
  
  Repeated requests from members of the St. Matthew Community for a public forum to address these issues and chart a path forward for school improvement have been denied by both school and parish leadership. Despite my personal request to Father for a refund of the enrollment fees, my request was also denied, and the denial of a public forum persists.
  
  In light of these circumstances, I have explored alternative educational institutions for my children, which will require additional enrollment fees. Consequently, I am formally requesting a return of the $600 in fees paid to St. Matthew School.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/05/2024

  St. Matthew Catholic school does charge a per student enrollment fee of $300 dollars if paid before February 29, 2024. Our enrollment fee increased to $350 after March 1, 2024 as outlined in our letter to our school families dated January 15, 2024. This letter also contains our published tuition school tuition rates. When our families enroll they are committing to St. Matthew and we are committing to providing a quality Catholic education. The enrollment fee secures a student place in their assigned grade level. St. Matthew open enrollment started February 1, 2024. At the time of our tuition letter to school families, our teachers indicated on individual letters of intent, returned on or before January 5, 2024, that they were returning to teach at St. Matthew. Only three teachers indicated that they would not be returning. Contracts to teachers were distributed on February 15th and had to be signed and returned no later than March 15th. It was not until early March that some of our staff indicated that they would not be returning. A letter went out to all of our families explaining what was occurring. Given St. Matthew open enrollment date of February 1, 2024 and not being able to predict staffing until approximately March 11, 2024 the situation was managed as transparently and quickly as possible. To date all but two of our teacher positions have been filled, including Kindergarten and 3rd grade. We continue to advertise and seek qualified teachers to fill remaining vacancies. St. Matthew enrollment policy #102 states "Registration must include the non-refundable fees as determined by the pastor upon recommendation and advice from the Finance Committee and Parish Council. Registration fees will be refunded upon approval by the Pastor on a case by case basis (ie., military PCS orders)." In this situation, Father did not grant a refund of registration fees.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/10/2024

   
  
  Complaint: ********
  
  
  
  I am rejecting this response because a resolution to the root of these issues remains. There are ongoing concerns regarding the leadership and overall environment at St. Matthew and I do not wish to continue my children’s education at this institution following the current academic year. 

  Despite repeated efforts to address these concerns, there has been a persistent lack of resolution. ****** *** ******** and Principal *** *******r have declined to hold a public forum to address the crisis facing the St. Matthew School community. Furthermore, both deny the existence of any concerns or crisis present, dismissing the valid anxieties and frustrations of school families. 
  
  When I chose to enroll my children at St. Matthew School, it was with the expectation that they would receive a quality education in a supportive environment. Unfortunately, this expectation has not been met. The school environment has deteriorated due to the lack of leadership, transparency, and support from the current administration, as evidenced by a staggering staff attrition rate of nearly 70% for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year.
  
  Moreover, the disregard for basic policies outlined in the ******** ******** is deeply concerning. The absence of the St. Matthew Advisory Team (SMAT), despite the handbook's explicit mention, is just one example. Additionally, the Student Assistant Team (SAT), mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, is also nonexistent.
  
  It is disheartening to witness such blatant disregard for established policies and the welfare of the school community. Despite seeking assistance through the Superintendent of the Archdiocese of Omaha, accountability from the current leadership remains elusive. Decisions continue to be made without input from families and staff, undermining the collaborative spirit essential for the school's success.
  
  In light of these unresolved issues and the failure to uphold the values and standards expected of a Catholic school, my children will not be returning for the 2024-2025 school year. I believe it is appropriate to request a refund of enrollment fees ($600) paid for the upcoming school year. 
  
  It is my sincere hope that these concerns are taken seriously and addressed promptly to ensure the well-being and prosperity of the school community moving forward.
  
  
  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  
  
  ******* *******

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/10/2024

  I have filed this complaint against the school, however St. Matthew Catholic Church should also be included in the complaint as ****** *** ******** is who makes the decision regarding refund. 

  There are several families whom are planning to leave the St. Matthew Community following this academic year, who may also file a complaint in the future.