Stanton understands the need for increased enrollment but thinks the school could continue to look at experimental programs, such as the merging of the first- and second-grade students that took place.

Loss of the school would be a jolt to the close-knit parish community, she said.

“I would be very disappointed if it closed. We’re hoping for the best.”

Bayruns said that, if the school is closed, an option would be to invite students to attend St. Bernard’s. She sees that only as a last resort.

“My first priority is to have both towns have a catholic school for elementary education,” Bayruns said.

Closing the school would also affect about a dozen employees, including five certified teachers and three teaching assistants.

There is a meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. tonight at the St. Agnes School cafeteria, 2322 Saranac Ave., to gauge support for the school’s future. Bayruns said that if only 10 people show up, it will show the diocese and parish are right. If about 100 people show up, she said, that will show there is enough support to warrant keeping the school open.

E-mail Dan Heath at:

dheath@pressrepublican.com