Catholic Diocese of Cleveland shutting down St. Matthew Parish Elementary School in Akron after current school year

By Simon Hannig | February 9, 2020 at 6:07 PM EST - Updated February 9 at 6:07 PM

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - St. Matthew Parish Elementary School in Akron will be closed after the current school year due to financial struggles, Diocese of Cleveland said.

You can read the full reasoning below.

Due to a number of factors contributing to a serious shortfall in operating revenue, including rising costs and declining enrollment, a decision has been made to close St. Matthew Parish Elementary School in Akron at the end of the current academic year. The decision to close came after a thorough review of demographic, enrollment, competitive, and financial trends affecting the school, and after proper consultation with parishioners, the parish and finance councils and the Secretariat for Education of the Diocese of Cleveland. The school has been part of the educational ministry at Saint Matthew Parish. Parishioners and families of current school students have been informed by letter of the closing.

Jim Armstrong, executive director, communications of Diocese of Cleveland

Diocese of Cleveland also said, "the decision to close the school is not a criticism of the quality of the school.”

Parents will be getting help with the placement of their children at nearby schools.

The administration of the school and the parish, along representatives of the Secretariat for Education with the Diocese of Cleveland, will be working with parents to ensure arrangements are made to assist them with the placement of their children at nearby schools.

Jim Armstrong, executive director, communications of Diocese of Cleveland