Clinton Heights school closing

The Diocese of Albany has announced that St. Mary's school in Clinton Heights will close in June.

The St. Mary's School Board made the recommendation, which was accepted by the pastor, Rev. Jerome Gingras, and approved by the Diocesan School Board and Bishop Howard J. Hubbard.

The decision was made in response to declining enrollment: from 207 in 1997 to 123 students this year. Only 91 students had registered for the 2004-'05 school year, and every grade but one had fewer than ten students.

Sister Mary Jane Herb, IHM, superintendent of diocesan schools said that "the administration, school board and pastor are to be commended on the efforts made to increase the viability of the school. However, with the declining enrollment and subsequent lack of financial resources from tuition, there is no other option."

Tuition covered less than half of the school's total expenses.

Other Catholic schools in Rensselaer County, such as Holy Spirit in East Greenbush and St. Jude's in Wynantskill, have experienced increases in enrollment, but they have room to accommodate as many St. Mary's students as choose to attend.

Schools within the Diocese will be encouraged to give St. Mary's teachers first priority as they fill vacancies for the upcoming school year.

(4/29/04) [[In-content Ad]]