Parents Shocked Holy Cross Academy Shutting Down In West Sacramento
WEST SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Parents are shocked and angry after a catholic school in West Sacramento announced it's going to shut down.
Holy Cross Academy made the announcement on Friday, saying the school has been in debt for years and can't catch up.
According to officials from the Sacramento diocese, the school is facing a number of structural and maintenance problems, including a leaky roof and electrical problems.
"My heart just can't look at a Plan B yet; my heart is here and I don't know what it means, but I'm not ready to give up on Holy Cross."
Babowal and her husband are heavily involved at HCA.
Crystal Babowal says she's hoping for a change of heart from the Sacramento Diocese.
She has two children who attend HCA, and a third she was planning to enroll next year.
"We fell in love this community, it's a very tight-knit community," Babowal added.
Baboawoal says she was blindsided by the news of the school closure.
"A lot of the parents including myself were caught off-guard by the situation and had no warning."
A meeting by the diocese Monday night drew a large group of parents -- some were worried about how they're going to afford the higher tuition rates at other schools.
"If we want to continue it we will be having to pay double or triple and it's a hardship on all us parents," said one HCA parent.
"We have had challenges with tuition, the facility and maintenance," said Lincoln Snyder, the executive director of catholic schools.
Deferred maintenance costs have been the biggest challenge, according Snyder.
He says HCA has been in debt for years, with the diocese loaning the school more than $1 million.
Concerned parents are now asking what will happen to their children's education.
"We are working with a dozen schools within the diocese to make financial accommodations for families," Snyder added.
Snyder says families currently receiving financial aid will continue to receive it when they move to a new school next year.
HCA students will also get help being relocated to other catholic schools in the diocese.
"Nothing is final without God. Through God all things are possible."
Out of options, Babowal is leaning on her faith, hoping the diocese will reconsider.
HCA is the only school in financial trouble. It's set to close its doors next June. Teachers from HCA will be transferred to other schools in the diocese.
