ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – Some families fighting to keep a St. Clair Shores catholic school from closing are reacting to upsetting news. Even though they raised a lot of money, St. Germaine Catholic School will still close permanently.
The school near Martin Road and Little Mack Avenue has been open since 1954.
Local 4 spoke to parents who said they were devastated by the decision.
“It’s devastating,” said parent and volunteer at St. Germaine Jennette Hexter. “They lied to us and they’re closing us still.”
Parents like Hexter rallied behind efforts to save St. Germaine Catholic School from the moment they learned it was set to close. They even worked to boost enrollment and raise funds.
“I thought that it wasn’t even a question rather they could shut us down, like we exceeded what their expectation was,” said parent Emily Shankie.
Shankie was hurt to learn that wasn’t the case.
“And to find out during Holy Week that they are going to close us down and we don’t have another chance, it’s really sad,” Shankie said.
The Archdiocese of Detroit issued out a statement Tuesday afternoon.
“While it is never the Archdiocese of Detroit’s desire to close a Catholic school, we recognize that circumstances at times require such difficult decisions.
In this case, the Team of Priests In Solidum serving the Gaudium et Spes Family of Parishes has made the final decision to proceed with the planned closure of St. Germaine Catholic School at the end of this academic year, because of concerns about long-term operational viability and the ability to provide adequate spiritual care. This decision was made following prayerful discernment, discussion, and consultation with the school and parish communities and leadership of the Archdiocese of Detroit.
The Archdiocese supports the Team of Priests in their decision. We join them in thanking all who have shown their support over these last few weeks and offer our assistance and prayers to the community during this difficult time.”
Archdiocese of Detroit
“I wish they had to be the ones to tell our children that the schools not opening next year and see their reactions because it broke my heart to watch my boys break down like that,” Shankie said.
Shankie said she can’t help but wonder what would happen to the staff at St. Germaine.
“I hope in future instances if they do this again that they plan differently and actually think about the kids that are going to have their lives changed and the teachers and the staff,” Shankie said.
In a letter to families, the team of priests who made the decision says they’ll work with staff and parents who want to find new opportunities at another Catholic school.
They also said the money that was donated to save the school would be returned.