Corpus Christi School, Woodside, will close at the end of the 2011-2012 academic year, due to rising debt and low enrollment.
In a Jan. 12 letter to parents, Msgr. Denis Herron, temporary administrator, and Robert DiNardo, principal, explained that the school is “facing a $73,000 deficit this year” and that Corpus Christi parish is no longer able to subsidize the school.
“Our main focus now must be to do everything we can to care for our children,” they said in the joint letter. The school “will be open and continue its program of excellence until the very last day of school in June.”
Plans are underway for transitional assistance to neighboring Catholic elementary schools.
This is a disgrace. Corpus Christi School is a unique gem in the Woodside area, providing a Catholic education by kind and caring teachers and administrators. Where will these students go now? Will the majority of these parents really enroll their children in “neighboring Catholic elementary schools” with the ongoing threat that they one day too will close? Doubtful. What’s more likely is these students will attend the neighboring overcrowded public schools. It’s difficult to understand what value the diocese places on Catholic education when great schools that are constantly meeting their educational goals like Corpus Christi are closed.
Christine, it’s sad to hear about this school closing. I got my child enrolled in that school and it just sad to know in the coming year, it will no longer be around. The teachers and staff are great, and really shows their love for the children. It’s just sad to bear the sad news. Us parents and the staff have tried non stop to raise enough money to keep this school open for the children. We honestly need a miracle to happen by June.
Christine & John:
I have been a member of the HSA for the past 7yrs. My family & I are heartbroken about what it going on…
I have begun a fight to help save our school. Please email me if your are interested in helping.
I have been in contact w/ the Media, NY1, our community board members & had a couple of articles written in local newspapers.
My email is: Serenety610@yahoo.com
Regard,
Michelle Chaves-Diaz