Pocono News Section

Catholic School in Shamokin to Close

Catholic School in Shamokin to Close - Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 5:23PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 @ 05:23pm EST
Shamokin, Northumberland County-

A cornerstone of Catholic education in our area is shutting down after nearly 70 years of service.

Catholic officials have announced that Transfiguration of our Lord Catholic School in Shamokin will close its doors for good at the end of this school year on June 4th.

The news was shocking to many in the community.

Thomas and Darlene Weaver own a deli across the street. All three of their kids attended the school.

Thomas Weaver explained, “You hit the books or you got (slapping motion.) They were very strict, but they were very nice.”

Andrew Maschuck, of Shamokin, says his grandson Caleb’s work has improved greatly since transferring to Transfiguration.

Maschuck said, “I hate to say it’s better than public, but there’s not as many children here where they get better help.”

The kindergarten through 8th grade school currently has only 53 students enrolled, and officials say the parish cannot afford to maintain it any longer.

Enrollment at the school has declined steadily since the 1990’s. Financial constraints are forcing it to close its doors for good.

The Archbishop points to a $150,000 deficit in the past year alone as proof the school is no longer viable.

But that hasn’t made news of the closing any easier to swallow for families here in Shamokin.

Maschuck noted, “I hate to see it. I’m sick over it to tell you the truth. I think it’s a shame that it’s closing. I wish they could get some help or something.”

Many believe education in the area will be worse off when Transfiguration is gone.

Weaver added, “Everybody was kept in line. Not a bad kid out of that whole school in the 25 years I’ve been here.”

Officials say the school closing will not have any effect on the operation of Transfiguration Ukrainian Catholic Church, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year.

Transfiguration of our Lord Catholic School first opened with 52 students in 1940.