One of two Catholic schools in Pine Bluff will close due to financial duress and decreasing enrollment, and the other’s future remains uncertain.
According to the Diocese of Little Rock, St. Peter’s Catholic School will close May 25 after existing in the town for 123 years.
The Rev. Anil Thomas, pastor of St. Peter’s Church, made the decision to close the school. Thomas opened registration for pre-kindergarten through fourth-grade students for the 2012-13 school year with a target enrollment of 60. As of May 1, only 37 had registered.
Currently, the school has 58 students, five teachers and four staff members.
St. Peter opened in 1889 as the Colored Industrial Institute. It was the last of the state’s historically black Catholic schools. All others closed between 1960 and 1975.
St. Joseph Catholic School in Pine Bluff is also facing decreased enrollment. Dennis Lee, attorney for the diocese, said the school was being reviewed by the diocese. St. Joseph is attempting to raise $309,000 in donations to stay open, and as of May 8 had raised $257,062.
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