Shortly after Thanksgiving, the New York Archdiocese released a list of 26 schools “at risk” of closing at the end of this year. Included on that list was St. James & Joseph Elementary School at 1 Monroe Street. This afternoon, State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and State Senator Daniel Squadron are out with a plea to keep the school open.
In a letter to Timothy McNiff, superintendent of the Archdiocese’s schools, they wrote, “we ask that you please explore all possible options to keep (the school) open or at least offer families a comaprable choice for their children.” They noted that two years ago St. James School faced closure and, at that time, the Archdicese merged it with St. Joseph.
In the past couple of months, schools on the “at risk” list have been given the opportunity to present evidence in favor of keeping their campuses open. The Archdicese is expected to make final decisions this month.
