Rising costs, stagnant enrollment cited in Bishop O’Gorman Catholic school closure
Decision to shutter Sioux Falls elementary school sparks backlash from parents
After seven decades of faith-based learning, Christ the King Elementary in central Sioux Falls is closing.
Families learned this week that Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools will cease operations at the church’s Lake Avenue campus in the University Heights neighborhood, citing rising costs and stagnant enrollment. The decision sparked an outcry from parents, some of whom say they were blindsided.
Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools attributes the closure to rising costs and stagnant enrollment, prompting an outcry from parents determined to save their beloved school. Some families say they’re blindsided by the decision.
“Despite years of thoughtful efforts to preserve Christ the King Elementary, this difficult decision was made in response to realities that challenge long-term sustainability,” Bishop O’Gorman President Kyle Groos wrote in a letter sent to parents Wednesday night. He said students were to be informed of the decision during student Mass on Thursday morning.
Groos said costs to run the system’s schools have risen while enrollment at Christ the King has remained flat for nearly two decades. He said those costs have been absorbed across Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools, but leaders ultimately determined a smaller number of school sites is necessary for “overall operating efficiency.”
The closure also aligns with directives from the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls for all parishes, pastorates and institutions to be “more prudent and efficient stewards,” Groos said.
“It is a blessing to witness your journey, and you are the reason this community is so special. Throughout this school year, we will honor and celebrate Christ the King Elementary’s legacy,” Groos wrote, adding that the admissions department will work with Christ the King families “with personal support in finding a new elementary home within our system.”
Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools did not respond to a request for comment from The Dakota Scout or provide requested historical enrollment numbers.
While overall enrollment at Bishop O’Gorman schools has grown in recent years, Christ the King faces unique challenges as fewer families with school-age children live in the University Heights neighborhood.
The announcement is not being well received among some families, who have begun circulating an online petition calling for the school to remain open.
“We understand challenges exist, including enrollment pressures, financial hurdles, difficult decisions. But closing Christ the King should not be the only option,” read the petition launched by Christ the King parent Kristi Merfeld. “Families, alumni, parishioners, and neighbors are ready to step up. We are committed to driving enrollment, raising funds, and working with leadership to find solutions that honor both our faith and our children’s future.”
In an email exchange with The Dakota Scout on Thursday, Merfeld said parents felt blindsided by the decision, in part because it came a day after one of the school’s largest-ever student fundraising drives.
“This was done the day after our students completed their biggest fundraiser for the school,” Merfeld said. “Last year’s funds are still being held and have not completed the projects that Father Paul promised would be done.”
In a news release issued by Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools’ central office on the campus of O’Gorman High School, the organization acknowledged the pushback and offered appreciation for families’ frustrations.
“We recognize that some families are beginning petitions to keep Christ the King Elementary open,” the release said. “We deeply respect the passion and dedication this reflects and will continue to listen and walk with our families during this transition. At the same time, the decision was made after careful discernment and remains necessary to best position Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools for long-term strength and growth.”
