St. Patrick’s Catholic School to close

Two years after a $3.5 million project enabled St. Patrick’s Catholic School to recover from a devastating fire, the Phenix City institution will close.

In a letter dated May 5, St. Patrick’s priest, the Rev. Jose Paillacho, announced he concurs with the recommendation of the parish council and finance committee to not reopen for the 2016-17 school year.

“In the past several years,” Paillacho wrote, “the school has struggled with a low enrollment. All efforts will be made to help students transition to their next school. Catholic education will remain available to the young people of our area through the Catholic schools in Columbus.”

St. Patrick’s serves students through eighth grade. St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School of Columbus serves students through 12^th grade.

Since the school was founded 100 years ago, St. Patrick’s has “changed the lives of countless people in the communities of Columbus and Phenix City,” Paillacho wrote. “… I believe that we can be proud of the history and accomplishments of St. Patrick’s School. Please know that this decision was not an easy one to make. Our school and parish community are in my daily prayers. Despite the closing of our parish school, St. Patrick Parish remains a vibrant community of faith where faith is taught, celebrated, and lived.”

The January 2010 fire severely damaged the school at 3910 Lakewood Drive. The new building, on the same campus but at 2703 40^th St., opened in August 2014.

The Ledger-Enquirer tried to learn more about the situation at St. Patrick’s, but Paillacho said in an email Monday that his announcement is the “only statement we are giving at this time.”

This story was originally published May 9, 2016 at 10:29 AM with the headline "St. Patrick’s Catholic School to close."