USE OF UNUSED SCHOOL

SPACE EXPLAINED

            Contrary to a published report, the Diocese of Brooklyn has not been in negotiations with the city over the past nine months regarding the future use of 22 parochial school buildings affected by the school reorganization plan announced by the Diocese Feb. 9.

            The only negotiations in recent months between the Diocese and the city Board of Education have concerned the leasing of a school building that closed last Summer---St. Clement Pope in South Ozone Park, according to diocesan officials. It is still under discussion.

            Two other unused parish school buildings, both closed for several years, are also being considered for leasing by the city, but the discussions are only preliminary at this time.

            With regard to the 22 schools named in last week’s announcement, the local pastor will review whether the school building will be needed for other parish programs, and its future use will be determined in conjunction with the Diocese.

The contention expressed in newspaper articles that the Diocese has been planning to sell the buildings for some time is without foundation, diocesan officials said.

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio has stated that the diocesan policy is not to sell the school buildings but to lease them to interested parties, unless they meet a parish need.

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