From Chippewa Area Catholic Schools:

PRESS RELEASE For questions, contact Cathy Greenseth, Director of Public Relations, 715.723.0538 ext. 307

Kenith Britt Announces Decision not to Renew Contract

(Chippewa Falls, WI 54729, January 15, 2009)
Kenith Britt, president of the Chippewa Area Catholic Schools, made an official announcement on Thursday, January 15 to faculty, staff, parents, and education commission that he would not return as president for the 2009-2010 school year.

Britt and his family came to CACS in 2007 from West Virginia and the western Pennsylvania area where most of their family still lives. This distance away from their families has made Britt and his wife reconsider their decision to remain in Chippewa Falls but not his commitment to Catholic education.

“Please know that this decision is one that was extremely difficult to make. Following the birth of our second child, we began to consider the possibilities of moving back home to be closer to family rather than living so far away,” said Britt. “Challenging as this change can be, I am convinced that our community will be stronger and more viable in the end. I will always be committed to Catholic education and feel strongly that CACS will have a successful future.”

The Very Reverend Donald Bauer, dean of the Chippewa Falls Deanery states, "It does not occur often that one finds such a perfect match when trying to fill the difficult position of President of a Catholic school system. Chippewa Area Catholic Schools found that perfect match in Mr. Britt about two years ago. In the brief time that Mr. Britt has been with us, he has set more firmly, a foundation for the future of the Chippewa Area Catholic Schools, and we certainly have been blessed to have him.”

Britt has earned the respect and confidence of pastors, parents and the education commission of the Chippewa Area Catholic Schools. “We went through strategic review and planning,” commented Rev. William Felix, pastor at St. Charles Borromeo, “but it took Ken Britt to turn the ship around and head our school system in the right direction. For this we will be forever grateful. Ken faced the tough issues, made tough decisions, and helped us to be realistic about our unified Catholic school system. He did what needed to be done, and I am sure he will help us make important decisions and plans for the continued growth and success of our schools before he leaves."

Dan Hunt, CEO of Mason Companies and education commission president has appreciated Britt’s dedication and leadership during his tenure. “Ken has provided vision, guidance and energy to CACS which resulted in a renewed strategic focus and a stronger organization which will allow us to be even more successful going forward. Although we will miss Ken's dedication, leadership and friendship, we wish him and his family the best of luck as they move back closer to home.”

During the two years of Britt’s presidency, CACS was successful in generating well over $4 million in major gifts. Additionally, CACS solidified a strategic and financial plan, purchased and implemented a school/parent information system called Infinite Campus as well as laptop computers for all teachers, began an elementary Spanish program, initiated a new fundraising philosophy, and increased the availability of scholarships to students in need of financial assistance.

The Chippewa Falls pastors and dean will form a steering committee to determine the future administrative needs of the Chippewa Area Catholic Schools.