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February 12, 2007 - Messmer Catholic Schools announced today it will assume the administrative management responsibilities of St. Leo Elementary School, 2458 W. Locust St., one of two schools in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s Catholic Urban Academies, effective immediately.
Under the agreement with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Messmer Catholic Schools will oversee operations at St. Leo School beginning with the 2007-08 school year.
“Providing quality Catholic educational opportunities for the students of Milwaukee’s central city is a primary concern for the archdiocese,” said Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan. “The success of the educational model created at Messmer Catholic Schools will best support the current and future students and families served by St. Leo School.”
Messmer Catholic Schools is independently run and serves more than 1,000 students on its two Milwaukee campuses—Messmer Preparatory Catholic School, 3027 N. Fratney St. and Messmer High School, 742 W. Capitol Dr. Messmer Preparatory Catholic School, established in 2000, serves more than 400 students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Founded in 1926, Messmer High School is an independent Catholic High School with an enrollment of more than 600 students.
“We are excited for the opportunity to solidify a quality educational experience for the students of St. Leo, as well as broaden our ability to serve more Milwaukee students,” said Brother Bob Smith, president of Messmer Catholic Schools.
In 2006 the archdiocese initiated discussions with Messmer Catholic Schools about the administration and management of St. Leo School. After joint study and consultation it was determined Messmer’s management strengths provided a natural fit for educational opportunities and growth at St. Leo.
“After consulting with the archdiocesan representatives and members of our board, we believe that St. Leo will help us extend our educational opportunities,” Smith said. “It’s a natural fit.”
Smith anticipates an increase in the St. Leo’s enrollment by the start of the 2007-2008 school year. “There is a growing demand for our educational services, and we are currently restricted by the physical space needed.”
“We are confident that the educational model we have created at Messmer Catholic Schools works in urban education, and are looking forward to applying that philosophy at St. Leo,” Smith said.
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