ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — It came as a surprise to parents of students at St. John Vianney Catholic School Wednesday night when representatives from the Diocese of Saint Petersburg announced the school would close permanently at the end of the year.

What You Need To Know

  • St. John Vianney Catholic School will be closing permanently at the end of this school year due to damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton

  • The Diocese of Saint Petersburg made the announcement at a meeting with parents Wednesday night

  • The school has been shuttered since flooding from Hurricane Helene caused major damage to the facility
  • According to the Diocese, students have been attending classes at three locations: Cathedral School of St. Jude, the Pastoral Center and St. Pete Catholic High School

They said the decision ultimately came down to damage to the school caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

"The school building has been closed to students since Hurricane Helene brought widespread flooding to the area on September 27, 2024, causing critical damage to its electrical, HVAC, roofing, and structural systems," the Diocese said in a statement. 

The news was an emotional turn of events for those involved.

“When it’s personal, at this level, with your kids, it’s tough to see business decisions made,” parent Katie Johnson said.

Johnson said the way the news was relayed didn't help the situation much.

“It was communicated to us and then they said no questions,” she said. “That’s really disappointing to be told some really big news and then also be told that we don’t have a chance or a voice to ask questions.”

“To go into that meeting was pretty jarring,” Johnson added.

Johnson said the whole situation has been a gut punch for school families. According to the Diocese, students have been attending classes at three locations since St. John Vianney Catholic School was closed: Cathedral School of St. Jude, the Pastoral Center and St. Pete Catholic High School.

“We’re super grateful that St. Jude and St. Pete Catholic opened their doors so we could even get the kids back into a school,” said Johnson. “That was really impressive to see and that was really uplifting to see, so I think that kind of adds to all the feelings we’re having of the closing.”

As for where Johnson will enroll her children starting next school year, that remains to be seen.

“The kids just want to stay with their friends,” she says. “So that’s just an interesting dynamic to try to make your own personal decision, but also that decision is so connected because of the sense of community.”

The Diocese said that plans have already been made to have students continue at St. Jude for the next school year.

"For the remainder of this academic year, St. John and St. Jude will continue with the current arrangement, operating as two schools on one campus," the Diocese said in a statement. "Next year, St. John Vianney Catholic School students and faculty will be welcomed once again to the Cathedral School of St. Jude, but this time as permanent students unified on one campus as one school."