Cardinal Justin Rigali then accepted the recommendation.
The letter says enrollment numbers, school capacity and the finances of the Archdiocesan high schools all played a role in the decision.
Enrollment at Northeast Catholic has declined 29% in the last 10 years, the letter added, and was projected to drop another 24% over the next three years. At Cardinal Dougerty, enrollment has dropped by 43% in the last 10 years with a projected drop of 34% in the next three years.
As enrollment dropped, officials said they could not hire enough teachers to offer students a diverse curriculum beyond core subjects.
School officials say they will help students during the transition to new schools.
The letter also informed parents that more information about open houses and registration at nearby Catholic high schools will be provided at a later date.
On the website for Cardinal Dougerty High School, students are informed of a meeting Friday morning. Parents are told the principal, Dr. Thomas Rooney, will be available to meet in the auditorium on Friday night at 6:00 p.m.
RELATED LINKS:
Northeast Catholic High School
