St. Francis School Closing

– Allison Goldsberry

St. Francis of Assissi School in Medford is closing in June, according to a story published by Boston.com.

The Catholic school has served students from over twenty communities since 1949.

According to information obtained by Boston.com from the Boston Archdiocese, the school has seen a decline in enrollment over the past five years and has a deficit of more than $150,000.

Students will be able to enroll in the St. Joseph School in Medford and the Cheverus School in Malden.

Mary Grassa O’Neill, the superintendent of schools for the archdiocese, cited several reasons for the closing in a statement to Boston.com.

“Working with pastors and educators across the Archdiocese we are addressing the challenges of the tough economic climate, changing demographics, declining enrollment, and resulting financial constraints,” said O’Neill.

The Rev. Joseph R. Foster, pastor of St. Francis parish, told Boston.com he was saddened by the closing.

“However, I am confident that the mission and vision of the school will continue by consolidating our students with two outstanding schools such as St. Joseph and Cheverus,” Foster said.

Rev. Foster held a meeting Thursday night at St. Francis to discuss the future of the parish with parishioners.

Prior to the meeting, one parishioner said people were concerned about St. Francis’ future.

“There is a lot of concern in the Medford/Malden area regarding the future of our parishes and the recent efforts by our local priests to collaborate their resources together. This is primarily due to the lack of information/leadership from the local archdiocese and their inability to sustain the retirement fund that supports our priests,” said the parishioner.

St. Francis educated students from pre-K through Grade eight. Tuition for the 2010-2011 academic year was set at $4,150.

Founded in 1949, the school was led by the Sisters of Charity of Halifax and grew from one kindergarten class in 1950 to K through 8 classes in 1957.