I am writing as both a parent and teacher at Our Lady of Humility School. January 22nd, the Archdiocese of Chicago informed us that the school will close at the end of this academic year, citing enrollment and financial deficits. Our enrollment dropped from 220 to 185 students after the Archdiocese dismissed our principal and appointed two interim principals within a year and a half. One interim principal was frequently absent, and the other lacked effective leadership, which led many parents to withdraw their children. Despite parents reaching out to the Archdiocese with concerns, their calls went unanswered. The decision to close the school is based on a single year of decreased enrollment, not a long-term trend. This decline resulted from the Archdiocese’s leadership decisions and lack of accountability. We would understand if this decision followed years of ongoing issues, but it is based on one year for which the Archdiocese bears responsibility. In 2023, a police report was filed regarding fraudulent activity in our financial records. After the principal reported this to the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, she was dismissed, and parents were never informed of the investigation’s outcome. Recently, families toured the school and expressed interest in enrolling their children. This isn’t based on enrollment. It is being used as an excuse to close us.  The loss of enrollment is directly linked to the interim leadership and parents feeling unheard. The Archdiocese must be held accountable for these actions. Many parents and staff feel we were set up to fail. After our principal’s dismissal, the Archdiocese assured staff that the school would not close but would move in a new direction. Now, after a year and a half of interim leadership and neglect, we are being told the school will close. Both parents and staff feel misled. Additionally, our parish priest has not supported the school, directing parishioner contributions exclusively to St. Patrick’s School and refusing to advocate for us or allow fundraising efforts. Parishioners were unaware that their donations were not supporting our school. Our community deserves better, and the Archdiocese must be held accountable. We will continue to advocate until our story, our students, and our community are heard. We will not be silenced. Please help our story be heard.