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May 7, 2020LAWTON – The Superintendent of Catholic Schools announced April 16 the closing of Saint Mary Catholic School in Lawton effective May 29. The school is part of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
“We are thankful for the efforts of teachers, principals, priests, parents and benefactors who have worked diligently over the past two years to respond to recommendations made as part of a viability study and attempt to secure a financial future for the school,” Superintendent Diane Floyd said. “Unfortunately, the school continued to struggle. The COVID-19 pandemic made the situation more difficult.”
Father Brian Buettner, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, met with the teachers and staff.
“While we have continued to raise our enrollment numbers, our costs for the school have continued to climb,” Father Buettner said in a letter to teachers, staff and school families.
“I will miss having lunch with our students in the cafeteria, teaching classes about their faith and praying with them at our school Masses. As heartbroken as I am for the loss, I am grateful for wonderful memories and the blessing Saint Mary’s has been for our entire community. Our commitment at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church will continue to focus on the faith formation of our youth and our families.”
Saint Mary Catholic School serves Pre-K4 through 8th grade. Archdiocesan and school administrators are working with teachers and school families to help them transition.
