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After debating a merger for several months, Christian Brothers Academy in Colonie and LaSalle Institute in Troy have decided to remain separate schools.

The decision was made Oct. 20, when members of each school’s board of trustees met for five hours at Century House in Latham to consider consolidating the two boys’ schools.

Afterward, they decided not to go forward with a merger. A press release signed by Tim O’Hearn and David Strockow, who respectively chair CBA’s and LaSalle’s board of trustees, explained the decision.

“The proposal was based on information gathered during the joint review we undertook to explore opportunities to work together,” the release stated. “The process included studying a potential combination.”

Mr. O’Hearn and Mr. Strockow thanked the board members, parents and alumni for their participation and cooperation while the schools met to discuss a decision.

“The survey responses we received from parents and alumni indicated a willingness to work with us as we face these challenging times,” they said. “We look forward to your support going forward.”

The schools began discussing the idea of a possible merger earlier in 2009 due to declining attendance and revenues. In grades six through 12, CBA enrolls 400 students while LaSalle has 440.

Previously, officials had expressed a desire, regardless of whether the schools merged, to continue the mission of the Christian Brothers who oversee both schools, remaining single-sex, continuing the schools’ military background and maintaining a high quality of education.

Both CBA and LaSalle acknowledged they will have to find other ways to address enrollment and revenue issues.

“The economic and demographic realities present sizable challenges for both schools now and in the future,” the release stated. “Going forward there is no doubt we will have to continue to look for bold solutions that will allow us to carry out our mission — to provide the best education a young man can receive." [[In-content Ad]]

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