St. Michael Catholic School in Greenville will be closing its doors at the end of this school year. 

The bishop of Erie, Most Reverand Lawrence T. Persico accepted the request made by St. Michael Pastor, Father Brandon Kleckner to close the school due to a decline in enrollment, staffing constraints and financial visibility.

The school serves the needs of St. Michael Parish of Greenville along with St. Margaret Mission in Jamestown.

The decision to close the school came from a recommendation of the parish finance council as well as a group of advisors that Father Kleckner brought together to discuss the school's future.

The school has had enrollment drop 40% in the past five years, leaving them with only 36 students right now.

The school normally offered kindergarten through 8th grade but this year they didn’t offer 6th, 7th or 8th because of low student numbers and staffing constraints.

Father Kleckner sent out letters to the parents of students informing them of the school's imminent closure.

The following statement was also shared by the pastor: "After an enormous amount of effort, conversation, and strategizing with many, I have come to see that there is not a practical path forward that allows us to keep Saint Michael School open beyond the current academic year."

The school has been in Greenville for nearly 125 years and is a part of the Diocese of Erie . When it opened back in 1899 it also offered high school education.

“I think at one time there were over 200 students,” Deacon Marty Aubel, the Interim Principal at St. Michael School said. “So, it's a striking contrast to the 36 that we have currently”

St. Michael will help facilitate transportation and support tuition for parents who want their children to continue their Catholic education at the Shenango Valley Catholic School in Hermitage or Seton Catholic School in Meadville.

“It’s sad but many see a path forward,” Deacon Aubel said. “God closes one door, he opens another.”

St. Michael Church across the street will remain open and all services will still be offered.

The last day for students will be June 5. 

The full letter to parents can be found here: