Board of NativityMiguel Network of Schools Acts to Close National Network Office

On Monday, April 30, The NativityMiguel Network of Schools (NMNS) announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the closure of the national NMNS office effective June 30, 2012, as well as the dissolution of the umbrella nonprofit NMNS corporation. The 60 faith-based schools that have received support and resources related to school standards and performance, professional development, and graduate support will not be affected by the closure.

“This decision will have no direct impact on the operation or finances of the wonderful schools we have served, since they are all independent, with their own financial resources and governance,” said Bill Whitaker, chair of the NMNS Board.  “The Board simply came to the difficult decision that we could not find sustainable sources of funding to provide high-quality centralized services supported by professional staff.”

The national NMNS office in New York City, led by Executive Director Mary Claire Ryan, will work with schools through June 30 on transferring records and resources of value to them as they continue to provide vital educational programs in urban, low-income communities.

The shared mission of the diverse schools in the NativityMiguel Network – many of which are middle schools – is to break the cycle of poverty through education. Their graduates, on average, complete high school and college at rates that far exceed national norms.  These independent schools are sponsored by a variety of religious orders, churches and organizations, and funded directly by institutional and individual donors.

[NativityMiguel Network of Schools]