Diocese closing school in neighboring Stark Co.

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — The Diocese of Youngstown is losing another elementary school, this one in neighboring Stark County.

Sacred Heart of Mary School in Harrisburg, which opened in 1956, will close at the end of this school year in June. Declining enrollment for the past several years was the major factor in this decision, according to the diocese.

Parents were informed of the decision Friday, and the announcement was made at weekend Masses at Sacred Heart of Mary Parish over the weekend.

Enrollment at the school in 1999-2000 was 91, but the number of pupils is down to 68 this year.

The Rev. Howard Ziemba, Sacred Heart pastor, said the parish has made every effort to keep the school a vital part not only of the parish but also of the surrounding area.

He encouraged parishioners to seek other area Catholic schools for their children and promised the parish will make every effort to support them.

Michael Skube, superintendent of the diocesan schools, said the diocese continues to be committed to providing Catholic school education to those who desire it and will make every effort to provide a smooth transition for pupils from Sacred Heart to other Catholic schools.