DUNKIRK, N.Y. — Northern Chautauqua Catholic School in Dunkirk is at a crossroads, as leaders say they can no longer ignore declining enrollment and a shoestring budget. 

The school recently sent out a letter asking parents, alumni and the community to step up and help raise $100,000 as part of its annual Angel appeal fund.

"The board said closing is not an option,” said Jenny Tilaro, the school’s principal. “That money actually goes toward paying for the education of the students we have in this building. We are educating the whole child, spiritually as well.”

Other schools, including Niagara Catholic Junior-Senior High School in Niagara Falls, have been forced to close due to decreased funding and enrollment. 

Leaders say student enrollment decreased by 11 students last year, from 104 to 93. At $1,800 per pupil from the Diocese of Buffalo, the funding was reduced almost $20,000 from $187,200 to $167,400. The letter sent to parents and alumni said the Diocese is not the financial position to extend any additional funds to help the school, because of the pending lawsuits and staggering court costs to settle past child abuse cases.

"It's really frustrating because that means that we have to put the ownership more on our parents and get them to try and fundraise as much as they can. Our parents are kind of tapped out," said Tilaro.

In a statement released from the Diocese, money is strictly based on student enrollment, adding “that formula has not changed in recent years and has nothing to do with legal settlements.

Adding to the school's troubles, the probable addition of a drug-treatment facility less than 200 feet from the school. City leaders say they're now trying to help find a new location for the school, as parents have threatened to pull their kids. 

"This clinic coming in right now is not going to help them at all. It's probably going to hurt them," said Dunkirk’s Mayor Willie Rosas. “I know that the school itself has been having issues with enrollment numbers, they're very low. And in fact, with or without the clinic, may not be able to keep its doors open.”

As part of its five year plan, the school is generating new marketing and recruiting efforts, in addition to its on-going fundraising.

"This is a critical time in our school's history," said Tilaro.

Northern Chautauqua Catholic is hosting a parent meeting Tuesday, July 9, at 7 p.m.