Parents say they're disappointed, angered by Catholic school closings

Published: 2004-08-19

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Last year, two days before classes were scheduled to begin at St. Francis Xavier School in Kansas City, Mo., the pastor announced that the 94-year-old parish elementary school would not be reopening. Jesuit Father Matthew Ruhl, the pastor, told parents and teachers at an Aug. 20, 2003, gathering that with its existing $250,000 deficit the school simply did not have the money to stay open. On top of that, enrollment was down to 83 students. After the last-minute announcement of what was the second diocesan school closing within a year, the schools office of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph reminded pastors and parish administrators to follow diocesan policies and procedures for school closings. According to policy, schools should announce such a decision no later than the end of March during the year when the closing is scheduled. Frequently, parents are given more fair warning about a school closing, but they don't always get the information directly from the school. In the Scranton, Pa., Diocese, parents learned about two school closings this year on the March 27 evening news -- the day before they received a letter explaining the Pittston-area Catholic schools were closing because of declining enrollment and increased debt. But the timing of these announcements is not usually what troubles parents, they say. It is the announcements themselves -- often issued without any warning -- that they say irk them. School parents, who have paid tuition and volunteered countless hours, often feel betrayed by school closings -- they felt a connection with the school community and were confident their children were in a good environment. For some parents, the bond to their children's Catholic school is generations-deep, as family members may have attended the same school. Closings force parents to scramble to get their children into another Catholic school, if possible. Often, when parents hear their children's school is slated to close, they stage protests, start letter-writing campaigns, lead prayer rallies and make last-ditch efforts to raise money. And, in some cases, they file lawsuits.

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