CLEARING — Two Southwest Side Catholic schools will close as part of a "restructuring" of the Archdiocese of Chicago, church officials announced Wednesday.
St. Rene Goupil, 6340 S. New England Ave. in Clearing and St. Turibius, 4120 W. 57th St. in West Elsdon, will close June 2015, at end of the school year.
In a statement, Thomas McGrath, chief operating officer for the Catholic Schools in the diocese said the "restructuring is the result of our ongoing efforts to strengthen and support sustainable Catholic schools over the long term. ... Although difficult in the immediate term, we know taking these steps will increase access for families and students to excellent Catholic school education, now and in the future.”
The diocese said nearby schools with available seats "have been carefully identified for all affected families" and transition plans are underway.
The closings will put a somewhat abrupt end to the grade schools, both with deep roots on the Southwest Side.
St. Turibius was founded in 1928 with a faculty of two nuns and 87 students.
St. Rene Goupil was founded in 1959 by Archdiocese leaders, who sought to erect a new Catholic parish and school for service men returning from World War II, according to an online history. The school moved into its new home in 1962, while a new parish was built in 1989.
Principals of both schools did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
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