Catholic elementary school in Mississippi is shuttering its campus

A Catholic elementary school in Greenwood, Miss., is closing after 70 years. 

St. Francis of Assisi School will cease operations on May 20, reports The Sun-Sentinel. 

The closure was announced by the Franciscan Friars of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province, a Wisconsin-based religious community that runs the school and its affiliated church. The Franciscans will continue to operate the church.

The school cited declining enrollment, diminishing resources, a growing budget deficit, and deteriorating conditions as reasons for the closure. 

This year, the school had an enrollment of 50, a drop of almost 60% since 2015. Only 41 students had registered for 2022-23.

This year’s deficit is approaching $100,000, and next year’s was projected at close to $175,000.

Relief funds from a Paycheck Protection Program temporarily provided the school with extra funding, but that assistance has ended.