Regis Catholic Schools of Eau Claire to close?

A commission of Roman Catholic priests, lawyers and others expect to make a recommendation to La Crosse Bishop William Callahan by the end of the year over whether to close a school in the Regis Catholic Schools system, the diocese said this week in a news release.

The parochial school system last year recommended closing one of its three elementary schools - St. Mary's School in Altoona or St. James School on Eau Claire's northwest side - in a move estimated to save $300,000 a year. The system also operates another elementary school - Immaculate Conception School - as well as a middle and high school in Eau Claire.

Callahan delayed the closure, instead convening earlier this year a commission to study the issue more closely before deciding.

"I'd like to think the three grade schools could be manageable - I'd like to keep all the schools open," Callahan said in the news release.

Callahan also said he hopes the commission can revitalize and promote Catholic education throughout the diocese by finding ways to achieve financial stability and improve Catholic identity in other schools.

Leader Telegram

Wow, Regis has a very solid sports program, especially girls basketball.