By Eileen Buckley
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Kenmore, NY – The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo has announced the closing of St. Paul's School in Kenmore. The Diocese blames it on declining enrollment and escalating costs. Parents were informed earlier this week that it will shut down at the end of the school year.
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John Griceo's 12 year old daughter attends St. Paul's. Griceo says a representative from the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo held a meeting with parents Tuesday night. In
a news release, the Diocese said the decision to close the school was made by the pastor of St. Paul Parish due to declining enrollment and increasing costs. But Griceo claims the Diocese refused to answer questions or address issues raised by parents.
Another parent, who has two young children attending St. Paul's, was not pleased with meeting's outcome. The woman did not want to be identified.
It is the second time she has experienced a Catholic School closing. A few years ago, at the start of the Diocese Journey in Faith and Grace program to consolidate and close some parishes and schools, she was forced to send her daughter to St. Paul's when St. Rose in North Buffalo closed.
Only 105 students are currently enrolled at St. Paul's. The Diocese said the School needs at least 185 students to balance its budget. The Diocese will offer St. Paul's students who transfer to another Catholic school $500 in tuition assistance.