Catholic school in Boardman lowers tuition rates

By Denise Dick

BOARDMAN — Byzantine Catholic Central has lowered tuition to make Catholic education more affordable.

The cost for the 2007 to 2008 school year was $1,700 for parishioners and $2,400 for nonparishioners. For 2008 to 2009, it drops to $1,650 for parishioners and $2,350 for nonparishioners.

But if parents secure a loan through the Diocese of Youngstown Federal Credit Union for tuition, the amount decreases to $1,450 for parishioners and $2,150 for nonparishioners; and if prepaid before Sept. 1, the cost decreases to $1,250 and $1,950, respectively, for parishioners and nonparishioners.

“We want to make a Catholic education affordable to parents who want a Catholic education for their children,” said Bernie Kosar Sr., school administrator.

The school hopes the reduced prices attract more pupils and, along with fundraisers and Bingo games, cover school operations.

BCC’s pupil population of kindergarten through eighth-graders last year was 155. Pupils attending come from 22 Orthodox, Byzantine and Roman Catholic parishes as well as protestant faiths.

“We have room for another 50 [pupils],” Kosar said.

That would allow the school to maintain its small class size but increase enrollment.

“We crank out a great product,” Kosar said.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.