ALTOONA – The diocese puts consolidation plans on hold.
After a very emotional meeting that lasted for hours. The Altoona Johnstown Catholic Diocese said that they can’t keep running multiple elementary schools. They said consolidation would save them almost $1.5 million.
So they proposed closing Saint Patrick’s School in Newry and Saint John’s in Lakemont and moving all of those students to either Altoona Central Catholic or Hollidaysburg Catholic. They are also proposing to change Saint Rose of Lima into a Catholic Middle School.
Parents were not happy. Hundreds of people attended the meeting and dozens spoke to the board that was recommending the changes.
After listening to their concerns about changing schools, losing teachers, and access to schools Bishop Mark Bartchak said he would take those concerns to heart. Tony DeGol, the Altoona Johnstown Diocese spokesperson, said the interim board will meet again and talk about people’s concerns and then invite parents to come out again to continue the conversation.
Parents like Erin Eisenberg who were angry before, are now encouraged, and willing to work with the diocese.
The diocese will let parents know when they will meet again.
After a very emotional meeting that lasted for hours. The Altoona Johnstown Catholic Diocese said that they can’t keep running multiple elementary schools. They said consolidation would save them almost $1.5 million.
So they proposed closing Saint Patrick’s School in Newry and Saint John’s in Lakemont and moving all of those students to either Altoona Central Catholic or Hollidaysburg Catholic. They are also proposing to change Saint Rose of Lima into a Catholic Middle School.
Parents were not happy. Hundreds of people attended the meeting and dozens spoke to the board that was recommending the changes.
After listening to their concerns about changing schools, losing teachers, and access to schools Bishop Mark Bartchak said he would take those concerns to heart. Tony DeGol, the Altoona Johnstown Diocese spokesperson, said the interim board will meet again and talk about people’s concerns and then invite parents to come out again to continue the conversation.
Parents like Erin Eisenberg who were angry before, are now encouraged, and willing to work with the diocese.
The diocese will let parents know when they will meet again.