The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh expects to inform parishioners this weekend about plans to close some of its schools, a diocese spokesman said Friday.
Church leaders have discussed the potential of a closure with parents and school leaders. The final word will be issued in church bulletins, said the Rev. Ron Lengwin. He and others declined to name specific schools.
"There will be information shared with parents this weekend," Lengwin said, adding that the closings would affect multiple schools.
Parents have said closures could be announced for Elizabeth Seton Regional Elementary in Sheraden and St. Valentine School in Bethel Park. Both schools teach grades kindergarten through eighth.
Carol Didiano, whose daughter is a St. Valentine sixth-grader, said parents were informed of the possibility about two weeks ago. With the oldest of her three children in college, Didiano said she has been involved with the school for 17 years.
"We were all saddened," she said. "Some parents were very surprised. It was emotional. There were tears. I think everybody was just being flooded with the memories of so many things that have happened in the school."
Elizabeth Seton has received nonprofit financial assistance to remain open in recent years. The Maronda Foundation, created by the family that owns Maronda Homes and supports local Catholic schools, has given Elizabeth Seton more than $1.85 million since 2003, according to federal tax filings.
In 2003, the Imperial-based foundation gave the school $71,356 to "close the gap between income & budget," the foundation's filing states. The amount of support rose to more than $620,000 in 2006, supporting scholarships, equipment and a fundraiser.
Foundation officials did not return messages yesterday afternoon.
The Maronda family has been very generous, said Mike Rubino, development director at Quigley Catholic High School in Baden, which has received more than $3 million from the foundation. Quigley is not among those being considered for closure, he said, adding that enrollment is expected to increase next year.
"We're just very grateful to the (Maronda) family for what they've done for us," Rubino said.
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