No Prayer: Another Catholic School Closes

Students have walked the halls of St. Elizabeth's Catholic School for 49 years, but a half-century of history is about to be erased by the Great Recession.

"I think it's very sad. The school's been here since the 1960's, and unfortunately, it's a sign of the times," said parent Patty Miranda. "Economically, we're in trouble."

The school's administrator sent parents a statement explaining why the school would be closed at the end of the year. As you'd expect, it's all about numbers.

 Enrollment has dropped from 530 students in 2003 to just 96 re-enrolled for next school year, and right now, St. Elizabeth's has a $1.3-million debt hanging over its head.

"It really does hurt, great school, great faculty, great staff," another parent, Mark Chaiken.

Saint E., as it's known, has icon status in Northeast Broward. The administration tried merging with other schools, tried slashing costs, and tried to recruit new students, but nothing worked. But some parents are convinced more could've been done to save the school, starting with mistakes they say were made for no apparent reason.

"The previous priest that was here got rid of a long-time, popular principal," Chaiken said. "She was here 25 years or more, everything was running great."

Skeptical parents agree.

"You get past it by putting together a sound business plan," parent Tony Kavalauskas said. "Ask the Archdiocese to live within its means and share a little of the wealth."

Whatever the factors may be, the Archdiocese of Miami has now closed eight schools over the past couple of  years. For some parents, parochial education has become a bottom-line issue.

"Absolutely," says Patty Miranda. "Enrollment is down, it goes hand in hand with less disposable income."

The question to ask may be, when the economy improves, will any of the shuttered schools re-open? No one has that answer.

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