Erie Diocese to form diocesan school system

Published: 2004-04-06

ERIE, Pa. (CNS) -- Erie Bishop Donald W. Trautman announced his diocese would form a Catholic school system that he said will strengthen Catholic education and give the schools a stronger financial base. Under the plan the diocese will close two schools in June and merge two others into one that will reopen with a new name in the 2004-05 school year. The closings and merger will displace 360 students and 46 teachers. In addition three other schools will use "multiage classrooms," where students from two or more age groups or grade levels will be in the same room. "The reconfiguration of schools will create a vibrant Catholic school system that uses resources more efficiently and offers students the same level of programs, tuition and governance at each school," Bishop Trautman said in announcing the plan in March. The bishop said the changes will save $800,000 in the first year of implementing the new plan. He cited a slow economy and a shift in population as reasons for decreased enrollment. Public school districts also have been reporting a drop in enrollment over the last few years.

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