Catholic School In Spotswood To Potentially Close At The End Of School Year

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – Immaculate Conception School (ICS) in Spotswood could shut its doors at the end of the academic year as dwindling enrollment threatens its future.

The community learned of the possible closure during an emergency meeting held Tuesday night at the school.

Anthony P. Kearns, chancellor and spokesperson for the Diocese of Metuchen, which oversees ICS, told Patch that the meeting followed a similar discussion in December.

The earlier gathering sought to tackle the school's "severely low enrollment" and explore marketing and recruitment strategies to attract more students.

“Unfortunately, despite sincere efforts by the Bishop, the Diocesan Schools office, Pastor and school administration only 39 students are enrolled to attend the school next year,” Kearns said. “With such low numbers it begs the question if Immaculate Conception could even continue to operate as a school. Would the same be beneficial to the remaining students."

Currently, the school has 89 students enrolled in pre-K through 8th grade.

During the past five years, enrollment has been on a steady decline.

Kearns however said that the final decision is yet to be taken.

“Bishop Checchio, since his installment as Bishop of Metuchen in 2016, has made Catholic Education a priority. He does not want to see any of our schools close. No final decision has been made but obviously, a decision will need to be made by the pastor and parish in the very near future,” Kearns said. “The Bishop asks all to pray for Immaculate Conception parish, its parishioners and the students at the school.”

Meanwhile, community members are circulating a petition requesting the diocese to let the school remain open.

“Due to the timing of this potential announcement, as well as lack of transparency and efforts of the Diocese and school figureheads as questioned by the faculty, staff, and school families, we are asking for you to reevaluate your decision to possibly close ICS,” the petition reads. “Please allow the ICS family ample time to lobby for Immaculate Conception School’s growth and rebuild by encouraging increase in admissions and fundraising for the school.”

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