MADISONVILLE — Two Catholic elementary schools, about 2 miles apart, will consolidate this fall because of dwindling enrollment.

        St. Margaret of Cortona in Madisonville and Cure of Ars in Madison Place each have about 100 students. They'll attend school next year at St. Margaret.

        “We decided it was not feasible to keep two schools open that are so close to each other,” said the Rev. Leonard Fecko, pastor of St. Margaret of Cortona. “We're both working-class parishes. We can't continue to raise tuition because families can't afford it. Yet, the cost of education continues to rise.”

        Overall, the 110 Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati have experienced a 1.3 percent decline. Enrollment is 40,720, compared with 41,247 for the 2000-01 school year.

        Dan Andriacco, spokesman for the archdiocese, attributed the drop to a decline in the school-age population, coupled with low growth in urban areas.

        By contrast, some parishes in high-growth areas have chosen not to sponsor schools.

        The school consolidation was set in motion last summer when the Rev. Paul J. Edrich, pastor of St. John Vianney, announced he will retire this June. St. John is the parent church of Cure of Ars. Father Fecko will become pastor of both parishes, which will remain independent.

        A school consolidation committee, formed by 10 members from each parish, began meeting last September to work out details.

        After touring the 50-year-old school buildings, the committee chose St. Margaret for the school location. St. Margaret is larger and has some facilities that Cure of Ars does not, including a small gym, more classrooms and extra rooms that can be used for computer labs and music.

        A new name for the school will likely be discussed this fall.

        “The parishes are really reaching out to each other,” said Pat Armstrong, an assistant Catholic schools superintendent who facilitates the consolidation meetings. “It's hard for people to give up their school and their independence.”

        It's hard, too, for the two principals and 16 full-time teachers at both schools.

        All jobs are being advertised, so current employees must reapply, competing against each other and outsiders.

        Yet, the transition seems to be going smoothly, Father Fecko said.

        “Aside from the fact that it's hard, we'll have many more resources,” he said.

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