Vermont’s Roman Catholic Diocese is consolidating elementary schools in Barre and Montpelier into one school in Barre.
Bishop Salvatore Matano says the decision to close St. Michael’s school in Montpelier and have the children attend St. Monica’s in Barre will ensure the children receive the best education possible.
The church says the Barre and Montpelier schools, which have a total of 141 students, were part of the same school but they maintained separate campuses.
Matano says it’s an emotional situation for children at St. Michael’s and their parents, but if the change isn’t made it could threaten the lives of both schools.
Matano says that like public schools, the church schools are facing declining enrollment.