St. Frances of Rome School in Cicero will remain open, as announced by the school's pastor, Rev. Radek Jaszczuk, C.Ss.R. The decision to keep the school operational comes after a collaborative effort involving Big Shoulders Fund, the Archdiocese of Chicago, and other key stakeholders to secure funding for the school for the next five years.

Greg Richmond, superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Chicago, expressed his gratitude for the partnership with Big Shoulders Fund, stating, “Catholic schools have been providing an excellent education to children in the Chicago area as long as there has been a Chicago. With today’s announcement, St. Frances of Rome will educate students for years to come.”

Josh Hale, President and CEO of Big Shoulders Fund, emphasized the importance of providing families, including low-income families, with the option to enroll their children in a Catholic school. He stated, “We are fortunate to be able to build upon our successful partnership with the Archdiocese of Chicago by adding this vital school serving a vibrant, committed community to our network.”

Rev. Radek Jaszczuk expressed his gratitude for the support received, saying, “Our school is a special part of our parish and the Cicero community. I am overwhelmed by the generosity of these donors who are joining with us to keep St. Frances of Rome School open.”

The news was shared with the school community just days before St. Frances of Rome School's 100th anniversary celebration. Principal Phillip Jackson mentioned that the anniversary has helped reconnect with alumni who are eager to support the school for its next century of operation.

The collaborative efforts of Big Shoulders Fund, the Archdiocese of Chicago, and other partners have ensured that St. Frances of Rome School in Cicero will continue to serve its students and community for years to come.