A letter from Bishop Ruggieri regarding Saint Dominic Academy

This morning, the following letter was sent to St. Dominic Academy families. The diocese has remained consistent in its position that operating the high school is unsustainable due to current enrollment and financial challenges and future trends. We believe the framework provided to the independent board represented the only way to successfully run the high school in 2025-2026 and ensure continuity for students and staff. The criteria for the framework were not met as of the May 15 deadline, thus the diocese will cease operating the high school division of St. Dominic Academy at the conclusion of the school year. 

The diocese has recently received an initial proposal from the independent board to lease the Auburn campus and operate an independent Catholic high school in 2025-2026. The group has been provided with what would be required to be a tenant and to operate a Catholic school in the Diocese of Portland. 

Dear St. Dominic Academy Families,

Over the past six weeks, since I shared the difficult decision to close the high school division of St. Dominic Academy, I’ve heard from many of you. You’ve shared your sadness, frustration, and disappointment — in town hall meetings, letters, phone calls, and personal conversations. I am grateful for the deep love and commitment you have for this school community.

I want to recognize and commend the tremendous efforts many of you have made to find a path forward — through fundraising, proposal development, and long hours of work and prayer. But despite all of this, we continue to face serious financial and enrollment challenges that we simply cannot ignore.

In response to a request to keep the high school open for one more year — giving the St. Dominic Regional High School Board time to establish an independent Catholic high school — the diocese laid out a framework and timeline to make that possible. That framework was to be finalized by May 15, 2025. Unfortunately, the necessary criteria have not been met, and as such, diocesan operations of the high school will come to an end at the close of the 2024–2025 academic year. This decision was made to ensure that students receive a quality Catholic education, that our employees and vendors are treated justly, and that we do not take on risks we cannot bear.

Looking ahead, I remain hopeful. I am confident in the future of St. Dominic Academy’s elementary and middle school programs. These grades — Pre-K through 8 — will continue at the Holy Cross campus in Lewiston during the 2025–2026 school year. We are already making plans for the years beyond and will share more information with you as it becomes available.

Please know of my continued prayers for each of you — students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni — during this time of transition. May our patron, St. Dominic, intercede for us as we seek to carry forward the mission of Catholic education in a new way.

Sincerely in Christ,

James T. Ruggieri
Bishop of Portland