ST. BRENDAN'S ELEMENTARY Declining numbers led to school closing

The diocese has been a victim of the city's declining population.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown said changing demographics, declining enrollment and increased costs are the reason it will close St. Brendan's Elementary School at the end of this school year.
Teachers and parents were told of the decision Friday, and parishioners were informed at masses over the weekend.
"The closing of a long-established educational institution is always a great loss to our diocese," Bishop Thomas J. Tobin wrote in a letter to the Rev. James Daprile, pastor of the parish. "These decisions are difficult because viable Catholic schools are so important to the life and ministry of the church."
The West Side school opened in 1925.
The city's population has fallen 41 percent in the last 30 years, bringing with it a 56 percent decrease in Catholic population, he said.
Enrollment
In 1970, there were 16 Catholic elementary schools in the city, enrolling 7,700 pupils.
This year, there are four in the city with a total enrollment of 764 in kindergarten through eighth grade.
St. Brendan's enrollment this year was 119. St. Christine's, also on the West Side, has a 444-pupil enrollment this year. St. Matthias on the South Side accommodates 124 pupils, and Immaculate Conception on the East Side enrolls 77 pupils this year.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, in Austintown, has 160 pupils this year.
"For over eight decades, St. Brendan Parish School has been a wonderful place to learn about reading, math and science and a wonderful place to learn about God and our Catholic tradition," Father Daprile wrote in a letter to parishioners.
He acknowledged the school is family-oriented and has faithfully served West Side families.
"But over the past few years, it has become increasingly more difficult to provide quality Catholic education, recruit new families and maintain financial accountability while keeping tuition affordable," Father Daprile wrote.
Dr. Michael Skube, superintendent of Catholic schools for the diocese, pointed out in a news release that enrollment for 2005-06 was expected to decrease as well.
The diocese said informational meetings for parents will be conducted at the school.