Students create petition to save St. Barnabas High School following announcement of sudden closure

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A push to save Saint Barnabas High School on the Bronx/Yonkers border is gaining momentum. Leaders with the Catholic school abruptly announced last week that the school is closing for good. Students tell News 12 the sudden decision has left them scrambling to find a different school for this fall. A group of soon-to-be-seniors from the school have created an online petition. They are hoping with enough support from the community, the decision to close the school will be overturned. Leaders with the school blame the closure on financial strain and rising operating costs. They previously told News 12 they will be working with students and staff on transitioning to neighboring Catholic schools. You can find the full petition here. A statement from the students behind the petition: "We write to you as Saint Barnabas High School (SBHS) students, finding ourselves in a disheartening situation. Without warning or prior notice, our esteemed institution has been permanently closed, launching us into a frantic search for another school before September and disrupting our academic paths. This abrupt closure, we believe, is unjust and unfair to the student body—many of whom, like us, have a significant number of memories, ambitions, and achievements here. Saint Barnabas High School has always prided itself on its unique commitment to the cooperative development of its students, instilling in us skills for life beyond high school. The loss of this revered educational institution, with its distinctive approach, will negatively impact the Bronx and Yonkers community, specifically regarding education provision. With the support of the local community and beyond, we can overturn the Board of Trustees' decision and restore SBHS's operation. This is not just about preserving a building; it's about saving the educational system that thrived within its walls, and you are a crucial part of this effort. Please help us spread awareness and pressure the decision-makers to reopen Saint Barnabas High School. Your support will safeguard the academic future of current and prospective students. Sign this petition to join our fight for education." "