St. Patrick School in Hubbard to close

HUBBARD

Bishop George V. Murry has accepted the recommendation of the Finance Council of St. Patrick in Hubbard to close the school beginning with the 2016-2017 school year. The catholic Diocese of Youngstown issued this news release tonight:

Declining enrollment which strongly impacts parish finances is cited as the primary reason for the closure. Currently, the school serves 98 students in grades K-8, down from 167 ten years ago in 2006.

Mary Fiala, superintendent of schools, stated that despite strong marketing and enrollment efforts by the school and Lumen Christi Catholic Schools, as well as parish dedication to the school, the reality is that the school cannot remain financially viable without the parish support.

The Rev. Michael Swierz, the recently appointed pastor of St. Patrick Church, said that “while he accepts the Financial Council’s recommendation, the parish will continue to promote Catholic education and work closely with any parish family who desires to send their children to another Catholic school in the area in the future.”

All current families whose children attend St. Patrick School currently will be given information about and opportunities to enroll in other area Catholic Schools. Families who attend the school on an EdChoice Scholarship will be given information on how to transfer that scholarship to another area Catholic School.

The school has served the surrounding community since 1870. There are twelve teachers, a principal, and four support staff as well as many volunteers. Grateful acknowledgment goes to the many religious and lay men and women who have had a part in the Catholic education of so many students over the years.