Twin Catholic schools slated to close raise $1M

Alumni of twin suburban Philadelphia Roman Catholic high schools have raised more than $1 million as part of an appeal to keep the schools open despite an archdiocese plan to shut them down.

Alums, strangers and even a parent at a rival high school have kicked in donations since the archdiocese announced plans to close Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast high schools.

The Upper Darby schools are among more than 40 elementary and secondary schools the archdiocese plans to close under a plan released Jan. 6.

Monsignor Bonner Alumni Association president Joe Mattson says the largest donation was an anonymous gift of $100,000.

School officials met with the archdiocese’s Office of Catholic Education on Monday as part of its appeal. A final decision is expected next month.

The schools hope to raise $5 million.