Sheldon St. Patrick Catholic School announcement

HED: Sheldon St. Patrick Catholic School announces closure
 
PRESS RELEASE

After 70 years of providing a Catholic education for families in the Sheldon, Ashton and Sibley areas, the Sheldon St. Patrick Catholic School Board of Education and leadership made the difficult decision to permanently close the school at the end of the current academic year, Due to low and declining enrollment and other factors, it was determined that it was not feasible to continue to operate.

As of this year, St. Patrick has 42 students enrolled in grades PK to 8.
Staff and parents were advised of the closure this afternoon, March 6, and a message from the board will be shared with parishioners this weekend.

“It is a sad occasion whenever a Catholic school must close and we know this was a difficult decision for the leadership of St. Patrick. We are grateful for the many decades that St. Patrick Catholic School served the families and students in the Sheldon area, teaching the faith and academics to our young people. Let us all keep the St. Patrick family in our prayers as they process this news,” Bishop John E. Keehner said of the closure.

St. Patrick School Board President Michael Murphy echoed the bishop’s concern for the staff and students upon learning the news of the closure.

“As a product of Catholic education, I am distraught that there will no longer be an option for Catholic education in our community. With declining enrollment, we did not see a path forward. We want to thank our supporters - without you the run we had would not have been possible,” Murphy said.