ROCKFORD — Three Catholic schools — St. Bernadette, St. James and the Cathedral of St. Peter — will close after the 2018-2019 school year and then consolidate into a new multiparish school that will open in the fall of 2019, the Catholic Diocese of Rockford announced Monday.

The location and name of the new school have not been decided.

The three schools will remain open and operate independently for the 2018-19 school year.

“We are committed to enhancing the educational program and expanding the extra-curricular opportunities for our students,” Michael Kagan, superintendent of schools for the Catholic Diocese of Rockford, said in a news release Monday. “Making the transition in the 2019-20 school year gives us time to plan thoughtfully and involve our parishes, schools and families in this exciting process.” 

Diocese schools have struggled financially in recent years. Fewer students mean fewer dollars to pay teacher salaries, purchase supplies, develop competitive curriculum, offer extracurricular activities and sports and upkeep aging buildings. Enrollment at diocese schools in Winnebago and Boone counties has dropped by 1,000 students in the past 10 years.

The diocese took its discussion about closing and consolidating schools to the people of its parishes last spring. The news was met with vocal opposition from families.

According to the diocese, which operates Catholic schools across a multicounty region including Winnebago, Boone and Stephenson counties, the decision stems from its work with its strategic plan. The plan outlines objectives and goals to strengthen Catholic education.

Two of the schools being closed are on the city's west side; one is located downtown.

Dorien Peterson lives just a couple of blocks away from one of the schools — the Cathedral of St. Peter School in Rockford's Signal Hill neighborhood. Her granddaughters just started attending school there this year.

"We are very happy with the education they're getting," Peterson said. "The people are lovely. The new STEM education program is a big plus. ... It's nice because sometimes — because of work schedules — they will stay with us and we will take them to school. When the weather is nice, we walk."

"We knew this was being discussed," she said about the impending school closures. "Still, it's just sad. . ... It's the loss of a tradition. ... I'll miss hearing the children play on the playground."

The diocese said a committee of representatives from all three schools will gather data, develop plans and provide recommendations to the diocese in the coming 18 to 20 months regarding facilities, location, curriculum, finances, governance, personnel, and factors relating to the new school. The committee will then make a final recommendation to the diocese.

Another idea discussed last year was creating a consolidated Rockford-area middle school, similar to Boylan Catholic High School but for younger grades.

School leaders also are hopeful that the state's new tax credit scholarship program will bring in more revenue for diocese schools.

Corina Curry: 815-987-1371; ccurry@rrstar.com; @corinacurry