The New York Archdiocese yesterday announced the closures of 24 schools, including the St. James & Joseph Elementary School at 1 Monroe Street. The decisions are part of a consolidation plan put in place three years ago. The Archdiocese says the schools just weren’t making it financially.
Earlier this month, State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and State Senator Daniel Squadron sent a letter to Superintendent Timothy McNiff urging the Archdiocese to “explore all possible options to keep (the school) open or at least offer families a comparable choice for their children.”
The school will shut its doors this summer. In a statement released yesterday, the Archdiocese outlined the plan for displaced students:
Affected families will be welcomed in neighboring Catholic schools, and every effort will be made to assist those who are facing financial challenges making the transition. Student Placement Counselors will work with Regional Superintendents to help school families transition into another Catholic school for the 2013-2014 school year. Informational meetings for affected families will be announced in the coming weeks.
Wrote a personalized letter to the Archdiocese’s Superintendent of Schools. Got back a generic form letter that any supporter of ANY school received. Sad response, and more sad to see St. Joseph’s (Class of 1980) go… leaves only Transfiguration as a Catholic school option on the TRUES L.E.S. A GREAT option, yes, but the only one as well.