St. Mary's School closing

Monday, June 2 2008

The Tribune-Democrat reported today that St. Mary’s Catholic School, Nanty Glo, a major institution in Blacklick Valley for more than 80 years, is closing this month. Enrollment declines and financial problems were cited by the Rev. David Peles, pastor of St. Mary’s parish, as reasons for the school's closing.

The Altoona-Johnstown Roman Catholic Diocese said in a news release that the decision to close the school came after the priest, faculty and staff, school council, parish representativeness, finance councils, and parents met. The diocesan education department accepted the decision after reviewing it, the press release said.

The Tribune-Democrat reports that "St. Mary’s is one of a growing number of small parochial schools being shut down" in the diocese. "Several months ago, it was announced that the West End Catholic School in Johnstown also would be closing."

More details should be available in the paper's Tuesday edition.

http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_154121415.html