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St. Clement School Closing
St. Clement School in Navarre, will not open for the 2008-09 school year. Declining enrollment in the school for the past several years was the major factor in this decision.
Ten years ago, the enrollment for the 1998-99 school year was 193 students and for the 2006-07 school year 110 students attended. The following year 2007-08 school year, only 68 students enrolled. Throughout the last school year, the Office of Catholic Schools has reviewed the conditions at the school such as enrollment and finances.
A registration process was put in place to access the interest and commitment of parents in maintaining the school for the 2008-09 school year. Several conditions were determined which needed to be met for the school to be open for the coming school year:
• A commitment/registration fee of $300 per family was required. This fee would be applied toward the tuition for the 2008-09 school year. It would only be refunded if the school does not open. This fee must be in the form of a check or money order and will only be accepted from the parent or legal guardian of the student.
• A minimum of 75 students must be registered and the commitment/registration fee of $300 per family paid by May 1, 2008.
• The first tuition payment was due August 1, 2008 from the parent or legal guardians of the students registered for the 2008-09 school year. Payments were received by parents or legal guardians for 61 students of the required 75 students necessary for the opening of the school for the coming school year. Two students have since withdrawn for a total of 59 students.
St. Clement Parish was founded in 1832 and the school opened in the latter part of the 19th century, closed in 1917 and reopened in 1945. Reverend Edward Beneleit, Pastor of St. Clement Parish, said that the parish has made every effort to keep St. Clement School a vital part not only of the parish but also of the village of Navarre. “For generations”, he said, “St. Clement School has provided quality Catholic education and Christian values to our young people.” Reverend Edward Beneleit encourages parishioners to seek other area Catholic schools for their children and promises that the parish will make every effort to support them. Reverend Edward Beneleit expresses gratitude to the dedicated staff of St. Clement for their service to the school.
Monsignor Siffrin, Vicar General of the Diocese of Youngstown, said “It is evident that St. Clement parish community had made extraordinary efforts to support and maintain their school despite declining enrollment.” He added that the priests, religious, and dedicated lay women and men who staffed this school over these many years, and the countless families who have entrusted their children to St. Clement, deserve our gratitude and appreciation.
Dr. Michael Skube, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, added that the Diocese of Youngstown continues to be committed to providing Catholic education to those who desire it and will make every effort to provide a smooth transition for the students from St. Clement School to other Catholic Schools.
For further information contact Dr. Michael Skube, Office of Catholic Schools at 330-744-8451.
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