July 12, 2006 - Representatives of the Archdiocese of Chicago met yesterday with members of the Notre Dame High School board to discuss new models for governance of the all male, college preparatory school in Niles, Illinois. The School's founding sponsor, the Priests of Holy Cross, Indiana Province, recently announced plans to withdraw its sponsorship of the school at the end of the 2006-2007 academic year.

"The Archdiocese intends to form a partnership with the lay board of Notre Dame to lead the school going forward," said the Most Reverend Francis J. Kane, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago. "We will work with the Holy Cross fathers to ensure that the leadership transition is completed in a seamless manner and as rapidly as possible."

"We look at Notre Dame as a model for the future of Catholic secondary schools," said Nicholas M. Wolsonovich, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Chicago.  "The involvement of committed lay people working with the Church, will ensure that we have vibrant Catholic schools in Cook and Lake Counties for many generations to come."

The Board and the Archdiocese will conduct a series of meetings during the next four weeks to draft a proposal to present to the Holy Cross Congregation. All Notre Dame academic programs and extracurricular activities remain in place. The school’s faculty and staff are ready to begin the new academic year on Wednesday, August 16 with freshmen orientation on August 9 and August 10.  Students and parents have been assured that there will be no difference in Notre Dame’s mission, philosophy of education, curriculum, extracurricular activities, or athletic programs. All steps in the transition process will be communicated promptly to the school's many constituencies.

"The spirit of Notre Dame is the alumni, families and young men," said Joseph Gurdak, Chairman of the Notre Dame board. "We are pleased that the Archdiocese of Chicago has recognized the excellence of our present academic accomplishments and the promise of our future by joining with us in this transition."

Notre Dame High School, a Catholic, college preparatory school located at 7655 West Dempster Street in Niles, Ill., currently serves approximately 770 students from Chicago's Northwest Side and northern suburbs. More information about Notre Dame can be obtained by calling the school at 847-965-2900 or by visiting their web site at www.ndhsdons.org