Irondequoit, N.Y. — Saint Kateri School, a Catholic school serving students in preschool through fifth grade, will close at end of the school year in June, according to a letter sent to school families Friday.
The school cited declining enrollment, especially among K-5 students, with the total falling from 196 students in 2019-20 to 115 this year.
“For this school year alone, the parish will spend a total of $470,153 for the school, a total that has well exceeded the parish’s budget,” Father Lance Gonyo, pastor of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, wrote in the letter. “Additionally, cumulative deficits from the previous seven years, and now this year, have placed serious financial stress on the parish.”
In a statement, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester said the decision came “after lengthy consultations and great efforts to reverse enrollment trends.”
Despite the efforts to achieve a healthy enrollment, the current enrollment is far below what is required for a balanced budget and to alleviate serious financial stress on the parish. For a balanced budget, enrollment needs to have an average of 18 students in each grade from K-5 (excluding Pre-K) for a total of 108. This year, there are 62 students enrolled in Grades K-5.
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The diocese noted it will help affected families, faculty and staff as they look for new schools.
Every effort will be made to ensure the very best possible environment during the remaining months of this school year, with assistance in helping families register in nearby schools that are part of our Diocesan Catholic Schools system. Additionally, St. Kateri School faculty and staff will be given guidance and assistance, including possible placement in a nearby Catholic school.