Board calls for closing St. Mary's School

The Daily Star reported that the board of St. Mary's School has decided to close the 87-year-old school, but some parents are rallying to keep the doors open.

The Catholic school's board decided to recommend closing the school at the end of June because of declining enrollment, officials said, and it shared the decision with 25 to 30 parents Monday night. A recommendation may be considered by the governing Albany Diocesan School Board next month.

Parents were upset about the news, said Tifanne Wells, director of marketing for the school. On Tuesday, some parents started seeking commitments for enrollment, said Wells, an advertising sales executive at The Daily Star, and a meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. today to consider strategies to keep the school open.

Board member William Moon said the enrollment commitment needs to be 75 to 80 students. The future of the school rests with the parents, who will be supported by the board, he said.

"Struggling with enrollment and reaching a point were enrollment is not financially sustainable is the issue," Moon said Tuesday. The board decision was a matter of "resigned acceptance."

"It's a very emotional issue," Moon said.

St. Mary's School, founded in 1924, has about 50 students in kindergarten through sixth grade and about 50 children in preschool and the program for 3-year-olds, officials said, and non-Catholic children are enrolled.

Read more at the Daily Star.com