Newton Falls parochial school closing

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Sts. Mary and Joseph School in Newton Falls will close at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

Declining enrollment for the past several years and the increasing debt of the parish to support the operations of the school were major factors in this decision according to the Diocese of Youngstown. Parents were informed of the decision this week.

Ten years ago, the enrollment for the 2000-01 school year was 207 students. During the 2010-11 school year enrollment was 59 students. Fewer than 50 students enrolled for next year. The debt of the parish is currently in excess of $250,000.

Sts. Mary and Joseph School, located at the corner of Maple Drive and Milton Boulevard, was established in 1951 and staffed by the Sisters of Holy Family of Nazareth. The current building was built in 1966 and named Catholic Elementary School.

In 1983, the school was renamed Sts. Mary and Joseph for the two parishes in Newton Falls, which are now combined. The combined parish of Our Lady of the Lakes (St. James Church in North Jackson and St. Catherine Church in Lake Milton) also has been supporting the school.