Bee Editorial
School closings sad but inevitable
This past week, Bishop Edward Kmiec announced the closings of 14 Catholic grammar schools in the Diocese of Buffalo. The action was the conclusion of a committee that had been studying the viability of schools across the region for the past three years.

We sympathize with those affected by the news, but most should have realized months ago what the outcome would be.

Statistics show the diocese is nearly $3.4 million in debt. It costs about $4,000 to educate each pupil, but tuition for most Catholic schools in the area is about $1,500. The rest of the cost is made up through weekly collections in church and fundraising efforts. The diocese's decision to shut down 14 schools may ultimately save Catholic education in the Buffalo area.

Enrollment in the schools to be closed has decreased dramatically each year and in some cases, has left schools without all grades in the kindergarten through eight range.

For instance, at St. Barnabas in Depew, which is slated to close in June, there are no fifth- or eighth-grade classes. Some grades have as few as four pupils.

We hope that by bringing students from the schools with lower enrollments to those with a greater number of students and staff, all of the children will benefit from the core of what Catholic education has to offer.

We are not overlooking the emotions of the family, faculty and staff who have been affected by these closings, because as diocesan officials have said, "This is a sad situation." However, sometimes a business has to make cuts in order for it to prosper.

Catholic education has a high standard of learning. Students and families whose schools will close in June are encouraged by the diocese to explore other opportunities at nearby Catholic elementary schools.

It is sad to see schools that have been "home" to generations of area families disappear from the landscape. The same fate has befallen several diocesan high schools in the last 20 years.

The decision to close the elementary schools was a difficult, but well thought out solution to saving Catholic education. Diocesan officials point out that in some cases, 83 cents of every dollar collected at weekend Masses goes to support a Catholic school. This leaves precious little left to operate other parish ministries, also worthy of community support. Funds formerly used to support a school may, in fact, help keep struggling parishes open.

Catholic Schools Week is celebrated from Jan. 28 through Feb. 2. Many schools will be holding open houses. For more information, visit www.wnycatholicschools.org.