by news-item staff
SUNBURY - Saint Monica School officials announced Friday the 62-year-old Catholic educational facility will close at the end of the school year, but the school and diocesan education office will work with the families of current students to help them transition to alternate schools such as Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School in Coal Township and St. Joseph School in Danville.
According to a media release from the church late Friday afternoon, the decision to close the school was made by the Rev. Donald W. Cramer after consultation with his parish advisory groups, including the board of education, parish pastoral council and finance council.
A review of the school operations began three years ago at the request of former Bishop of Harrisburg Kevin C. Rhoades.
"Saint Monica School has been a blessing to our parish and to the Susquehanna Valley for over 62 years, with a commitment to scholarship and Christian values in a supportive family-like environment. Unfortunately we must also acknowledge that it is no longer affordable for us," Cramer said.
The Most Rev. Joseph P. McFadden, bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg, granted his permission to close the school in response to a letter from Cramer.
The bishop's permission is required when a parish is considering the closure of a school because of "the responsibility the church has in the formation of young people in faith," according to the media release.
In his letter to Cramer, McFadden said, "This decision is very difficult for me to make, having visited the school and knowing its history. However, I know that it is painful as well for you and your parishioners in making the recommendations."
The bishop pledged his continued assistance and prayers for all affected by the decision, and the church officials said he saw many people sacrificing their time, talent and treasure to maintain the school up to the present moment and was deeply grateful for what they have accomplished.
School operations have caused the parish debt to double in each of the past three years to nearly $558,000, school officials said.
The combination of a poor economic environment and a generally declining population of school age children are the root of the situation, they said.
"Everyone has worked very hard to give us this excellent education program. We have a wonderful school community of staff, volunteers and parents. The decision to close is no one's fault. It is about being realistic," said Susan Bickhart, school administrator.
School officials said consideration was given to alternative structures such as having the school be a primary school, middle school or become regionalized with other parishes, but it was determined that such an adjustment would still not change the demographic and economic conditions the school is experiencing.
Enrollment would not be increased and would only serve to spread the debt that was being created, they said.
For families wishing their children to relocate to another Catholic school, open houses and informational meetings at these schools will be announced in the near future.
The diocesan offices will be coordinating details that are needed to end operations of a parish school program, as well as assisting school staff members during this difficult time of transitions.
Deacon Martin McCarthy, administrator/principal of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School, was unable to be reached Friday for comment.