St. Barbara Catholic School in Massillon, Ohio, is closing.
The closure comes amid the school's declining enrollment, departure of teachers and other staff, and rising debt, reports the Canton Repository. Enrollment at St. Barbara for the coming year was just 61 students and nine preschoolers.
A preliminary plan was to have one principal oversee St. Barbara and St. Mary schools, but low enrollment at St. Barbara made that unworkable.
School leaders will communicate with and work with families to assist their transition to St. Mary School or another school.
The parish and school were established in 1866.
