Realignment of military bases to impact New York Catholic schools

Published: 2007-05-04

WATERTOWN, N.Y. (CNS) -- A plan approved by Congress two years ago to realign U.S. military bases -- closing some and consolidating others by 2011 -- is expected to increase enrollment at Catholic schools near an Army base in northern New York. One aspect of the Base Realignment and Closure commission has designated the U.S. Army installation at Fort Drum as a permanent station for additional soldiers. The additional 7,000 soldiers, along with their spouses and children, will add to the region's population and also school enrollments. Two of the three combat teams stationed at Fort Drum are currently deployed. By the end of March, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division was back home at Fort Drum after a year in Afghanistan. Other troops in units associated with the division also have been returning. Some local Catholic schools, particularly Immaculate Heart Central Schools in Watertown, already have a fairly strong military-family presence. Gail Graham, principal of Immaculate Heart Central Elementary School, said approximately 29 percent of the school population has at least one parent connected to Fort Drum. The percentages vary in the other schools in the region but are still significant.

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