St. Gabriel School Parents Rally to Save Their School

On Tuesday night, St. Gabriel School parents learned the sad and difficult news that their school is closing for good in June.

The school had a $111,709 operating deficit, and just 139 enrolled students, the Milford Mirror reports.

But parents aren’t giving up and led by Aimee Liseo Vail are fighting to keep the school open and have started a GoFundMe campaign. As of just before noon, $1,440 has been raised with a goal of $120,000.

“We are more than just a school that is closing, which was decided by St. Gabriel parish leaders on January 26, 2016.

We are a community of wonderful children, parents, teachers, staff, parishioners, alumni and concerned citizens. We love our school and want desperately to stay open despite the decision. If we could raise enough money to either offset the deficit or create an independent catholic school we would have a good chance at staying open. Thank you for your support,” the GoFundMe campaign reports.

The decision to close in June for good was based on finances, birthrate and demographics and had nothing to do with academics, the New Haven Register reports.

There was talk of a merger between St. Mary’s School and St. Gabriel School but in the end that was decided against. However, St. Mary’s will offer annual $500 scholarships for two years to any St. Gabriel student who transfers to St. Mary’s School.