During the 1980’s, the area around Verbum Dei continued to decline. Dependency on government assistance increased, due to the lack of jobs coupled with the devastating effects of the crack epidemic of the 80’s, which hit low-income African American communities hardest. Gang violence soared and became more violent due to struggles to control the drug trade. In addition, incarceration rates jumped dramatically as the law makers responded with harsh mandatory sentences for drug offenses. Finally, this downward spiral culminated in the 1992 Los Angeles riots after the Rodney King verdict, which further decimated Watts.
Verbum Dei continued to serve its community well and to provide a stable academic environment for its students. During the 1990’s, Verbum Dei experienced enrollment declines and administrative challenges. Deteriorating older homes, apartment complexes and government housing were increasingly occupied by poorer, often unemployed individuals, many of whom were recently arrived Latino immigrants. The African American population remaining in the area was poorer and less likely to attend Catholic secondary schools. Many in the Latino population desired a Catholic education but were unable to afford the relatively low tuition.
Fortunately, during these transition years, Verbum Dei received financial help and attention. In 1993 a development Consortium was created and initially funded by the LA Archdiocese’s Catholic Education Foundation, which raised money for Verbum Dei and two Catholic girls’ high schools in the community. In 1994, with a $4.7 million gift from John and Dorothy Shea and the extended Shea family, the school made significant capital improvements, including a new library, cafeteria, multipurpose center, gym, football field and computer lab, which doubled the size of Verbum Dei. The Archdiocese also continued its financial support with an annual subsidy of $250,000, in addition to waiving and absorbing the debts that Consortium schools incurred. The Consortium raised monies from foundations and individual donors from 1993-1998. Unfortunately, the Consortium ended when one of the girls’ schools closed and consolidated with the other. Continued administrative and financial difficulties plagued all three Consortium schools.