The desperate fight to save a Penn Hills school has fallen on the parents’ shoulders.
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The parents of students at St. Bartholomew School have two weeks to raise $200,000 -- and even less time to recruit new students.
"It's daunting when you look at the figure, but the thing about St. Bart's is that the school is strong because the teachers are extremely strong,” said Jason Jablon, a parent.
St. Bartholomew School parents were called to an emergency meeting this week, when they were told tuition would go up next year by $2,000 per family.
They were also told that many more new students are needed to enroll or the school's future would be in jeopardy.
“It truly is a wonderful school and wonderful place and it would be heartbreaking to see it not function anymore,” Jablon said.
Right now, it's up to the school and parish to raise the money and find new students for the school, which first opened its doors in the 1950s. If they can't, the next step would be for the Pittsburgh diocese to come in and talk consolidation, regionalization or closure.
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Parents hope they can do enough fundraising to keep St. Bart's as it is.
"It's a great family atmosphere, the teachers are amazing and they have amazing friendships,” said parent Katie Cienik, a parent.
Parents are also reaching out to alumni for support.
The Pittsburgh diocese is going through a major school restructuring because of declining enrollment. The diocese is closing one school and merging 10 others as part of a consolidation plan.