After over a century of being open, St. Patrick Catholic School in Springfield is getting ready to close its doors.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — After over a century of being open, St. Patrick Catholic School in Springfield is getting ready to close its doors.

School leaders cited "long-term" financial challenges as the reason for the closure. 

School Board President Erik Woehrmann said that they have weighed the options before making this difficult decision.

"We have done thorough budget analyses. We have contracted with national firms that specialize in this kind of work to raise money for Catholic schools and Catholic education. At the end of the day, the board ultimately made the decision that we cannot maintain the school in a responsible manner," he said.

St. Patrick employs 15 staff members and serves 52 students. It stated that families will continue to receive support and transition assistance amidst the change.

"The brick and mortar version of the mission of St. Patrick has been fulfilled, and we now look with hope and optimism to the future as the mission transforms to one of supporting families and students through a scholarship program," Woehrmann said.

There will also be a St. Patrick Scholarship Program, funded through remaining school assets, donors, fundraising efforts and permanent endowment fund earnings, to help families looking for a Catholic education in the Springfield area. 

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