Coronavirus: Archdiocese Of NY Closes 11 Hudson Valley Schools

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Eleven Hudson Valley Catholic schools are among the 20 that will not reopen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials of the Archdiocese of New York announced Thursday.

That includes two schools in Orange County that will be merged with a third.

“Children are always the most innocent victims of any crisis, and this COVID-19 pandemic is no exception,” said Archbishop Timothy Cardinal Dolan. “Too many have lost parents and grandparents to this insidious virus, and now thousands will not see their beloved school again. I’ve kept a hopeful eye on our schools throughout this saga and my prayers are with all of the children and their families who will be affected by this sad news. Given the devastation of this pandemic, I’m grateful more schools didn’t meet this fate, and that Catholic schools nearby are ready to welcome all the kids."

The changes will affect 2,500 students and 350 staff.

In the Hudson Valley, these Catholic schools will not reopen:

• Divine Mercy School, New Windsor
• Holy Family School, New Rochelle
• Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Pelham Manor
• Sacred Heart School, Suffern
• St. Ann School, Yonkers
• St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, Shrub Oak
• St. Patrick School, Bedford
• St. Paul School, Yonkers
• St. Peter School, Poughkeepsie

St. John School in Goshen will merge with these schools and accept those students on their campus:

• Sacred Heart School, Monroe
• St. Stephen-St. Edward School, Warwick

"The reality of these schools being lost is painful, and it was only accepted reluctantly after a detailed study was conducted of their respective fiscal standing in the wake of the coronavirus public health crisis," said Superintendent of Schools Michael J. Deegan. "I have been a Catholic school educator for more than 40 years, and could never have imagined the grave impact this pandemic has had on our schools. If more assistance is not forthcoming in the longed for HEROES Act now before Congress, I am afraid even more might close. This is a very sad day for everyone in the extended Catholic school community. I send my love and prayers to the families, teachers, principals and staff of the affected schools."