On Feb. 13, a letter went out to the parishioners of St. Bernard's Catholic School in Levittown. An announcement was also made at that week's Sunday Mass. St. Bernard's School will close as of Jun 2005.

"The closing of the school is a major event in the history of the parish and one that brings with it many emotions - sadness, disappointment and anxiety to name a few," explained Pastor Gerard Ringenback, or Father Jerry to his parishioners, in the letter.

The school that opened its doors to students in 1962 with an enrollment of 600 children has gradually diminished to 166 students, with even less projected for the 2005-2006 school year.

"As enrollment drops, the cost per student rises," Father Jerry said in an interview. "In light of increases in local taxes, families have been forced to make tough decisions."

The closing of Catholic schools has become a bit of trend over the past decade. St. James in Seaford, St. Raphael's in East Meadow and St. Francis de Chantal in Wantagh have already been forced to close their doors and the Diocese of Brooklyn announced numerous closings last week.

According to Father Jerry, there has been a sharp decrease of almost 20 percent in Catholic elementary school enrollment throughout the diocese.

"There has been a profound shift in life and culture and that impacts Catholic education," Father Jerry said. "The reasons are varied and many; most often the reason stated by parents is cost."

Regardless of the expense, Father Jerry said he thinks most St. Bernard's parents will choose to continue a Catholic education for their children, sending them to nearby schools such as Holy Family or St. Ignatius in Hicksville.

"This may help them with their enrollment so that they don't find themselves in our positions," Father Jerry said.

St. Bernard's has offered education to children from preschool through eighth grade. The number of preschoolers isn't included in the general enrollment because many do not continue on in the school. Even with a tuition rate of $3,100 per student, the anticipated subsidy to the school would be over $400,000. This amount, Father Jerry said, the school would not be able to manage.

"People say, 'well, why don't you combine classes,'" he said. "We already did that."

Fundraisers were also completed in the past; however, that alone would not suffice to keep the school viable.

The three-and-a-half year pastor at St. Bernard's said he will continue his six-year term at the parish, since that will remain open.

"Though the school is closing, the church is not," Father Jerry explained. "There has been a strong faith in our community for over 50 years and it will continue to be so."

Over the next few months the schools' administration will review their options for use of the school building.

"At the present time the building is used extensively," Father Jerry said, "by Religious Education - CCD, CYO Basketball, as well as outside organizations."

They have also been meeting with teachers and parents to help them transition into other Catholic schools. Father Jerry said some of the teachers have worked there for over 20 years.

"That is a loss in itself because they have been so devoted to the school," Father Jerry expressed. "Our hope is that these next few months will be as smooth and positive a transition as possible for the children."