After 130 years, St. Anthony of Padua School is closing for good.
The school cited declining enrollment as a major factor, stating an agreement was made on May 8 that if enrollment dipped below 130 students for three consecutive weeks, the school would close.
Since then, enrollment dropped to 111 students, forcing the parish to close the Butler private school, a parish statement said.
However, some close to the school reportedly have questioned whether everything was done to keep the school open. Some are even wondering if the closing was given a nudge.
A report said School Finance Council member Mike McGourty doesn't think it was a coincidence a letter was sent to families after a bequest was made to the parish in which about $340,000 was to go to the school system. The report says he believes the letter upset parents, led to them pulling students out, and would allow for the entire bequest to go to the parish.
McGourty, a CPA, also reportedly said he believed fundraising could have made up the deficit.
The parish has stated that because of the way the bequest legally needed to be used, the money itself couldn't save the school.
What's your opinion? Do you believe 130 years could have been saved, or was the economy and low enrollment too much for St. Anthony to overcome? Vote in the poll below.
Concerned Citizen
8:15 am on Friday, June 29, 2012
Of course more should have been done, but by whom and when will be debated for years. It should be up to the diocese to continually check on schools to make sure they're going to thrive. If they see declining numbers steps should be put in place to stop such actions. They need to do everything in their power to keep Catholic schools open, no matter where they are!!!!!!!!!!!!!
maryanne
11:24 am on Friday, June 29, 2012
There is too much $$$ being spent by the Church to settle all the sexal abuse lawsuits...less $$$ for elementary education. So sad.
Concerned Citizen
8:23 pm on Saturday, June 30, 2012
That is true! Millions spent to pay victims, instead of subsidizing students. What a shame.
Ann Niechwadowicz
9:27 pm on Monday, July 2, 2012
Fr. Mike definately could have done more to stand behind the school. He just saw $$$ and was greedy and wanted it all for the Church. The churchwon'tlast long after he lied to all of the families that worked so hard to keep the best part of St Anthony's parish alive. 130 yrs. of a legacy in Butler deserved a better chance.
Jane rondin
10:11 pm on Monday, July 2, 2012
This has been a long time coming due to mismanagement on many levels. It was a beautiful part of Butler's heritage and will be sorely missed. My children enjoyed 6 years with some fabulous teachers.