Archdiocese makes changes
January 28, 2008 "I proudly announce that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia plans to build two new Catholic high schools which will help to ensure the future of Catholic education," Cardinal Justin Rigali said.
Those two new schools will be in Hilltown, Bucks County and Royersford, Montgomery County.
The facilities will replace existing schools that have become overcrowded due to population growth.
Cardinal Ragali says building the two new schools is a reflection of the Archdiocese commitment to Catholic education.
The first project will merge Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic High School in Norristown with St. Pius X in Pottstown.
Students from those schools will attend classes in Upper Providence Township beginning in 2010, with construction on the building slated to begin this summer.
The second school will move Lansdale Catholic High school to Hilltown Township in Bucks County and is expected to open its doors in 2012.
"Our goal in building these two schools is that there will be a Catholic High School in ten miles of every family in the Archdiocese," Cardinal Rigali said.
The decision to build the two new high schools followed a multi-year study, conducted by the Archdiocese, which showed a need to expand, due to population growth and limitations in the existing facilities.
The new schools will each have room for 1,200 students and state of the art facilities, including more than 30 wireless classrooms, a fitness center, and six competition level sports fields.
Action News spoke with students who say they're excited about the announcement and say their existing buildings are overcrowded and outdated.
"I think its great for Lansdale Catholic. We need the update and the students will definitely benefit from it in the future," student Maureen Finlan said.
Plans to build the new schools have been in the works for several years.
The Archdiocese purchased the land for both sites seven years ago.
Each school is expected to cost 65 million dollars to build.
The Diocese says it will get the money from tax-exempt bonds, a new capital campaign, and proceeds from the sale of the old schools.
