April 10, 2008 - St. Mary Star of the Sea School in East Boston To Close In June 2008
East Boston, MA-- St. Mary Star of the Sea School in East Boston, announced today that it will close at the end of the school year, June 2008.
A combination of factors has contributed to the school needing to close including declining and low enrollment, a large financial deficit, which is beyond the ability of the Parish to assume and low registration for 2008/2009 school year. Enrollment has declined 40% since 2004 to 164 students currently (down from 275). The projection for 2008/2009 is 90 students.
The Catholic Schools Office for the Archdiocese is working to insure that families that wish to continue the education of their children in a Catholic school will be able to do so. Other Catholic schools in the area have opened their doors to welcome students from St. Mary Star of the Sea School. East Boston Central Catholic School and Immaculate Conception School in Revere are the closest schools to St. Mary's with available space to accommodate all of the students impacted.
In addition all accommodations will be made to ensure that students are provided a seat at these and other Catholic schools conveniently located to the East Boston community. The 13 faculty and staff affected by the closing will be placed on a priority list for openings in other Catholic schools for September 2008.
For 120 years, St. Mary Star of the Sea School has provided Catholic education to generations of students and parishioners. Established in 1888, the school has a rich legacy of service to families in the East Boston community.
In announcing the closing, Rev. John Kilmartin, F.D.P., Pastor of Saint Joseph - Saint Lazarus Parish Community, said, "We are grateful for the many wonderful years and generations of students who have been educated at St. Mary's in East Boston. While we are forced to announce the closing of the school we take comfort in the reality that we have been graced because of the contributions of thousands of students, families, teachers and staff since 1888. We pray that through God's enduring love and presence we will provide for a smooth transition for students and families to new Catholic schools and see that our teachers and professional staff are given new opportunities to bring their talents and treasure which will continue to enrich Catholic education in the Archdiocese."
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