Bishop Grimes JR/SR High School is a private Catholic School with the Syracuse Diocese established in 1966, located in East Syracuse, NY. Class sizes are small and personal, the community is a true family that provides a thriving learning environment. The school offers a variety of sports and music programs allowing a large majority of students to be active in multiple overlapping activities . 

This week The Syracuse Catholic Diocese decided with no warning or explanation to school staff, students or families that they intend to sell the property and merge the school with another local private school Bishop Ludden. This has caused complete shock and devastation for the tight knit Bishop Grimes community as well as Bishop Ludden. There was never a discussion with staff or families from either school on what could be done to help support the school or the diocese. We were never given the opportunity to voice our suggestions or offer possible solutions to help in any way! We were left in the dark and then the rug was completely been pulled from under our feet.

Sadly the information was leaked and our children and families learned of this rumor 2nd hand from strangers asking the questions at another’s schools basketball game! The Diocese planned to hold the information from us and the SCHOOL itself for an additional 2 days! We were completely blindsided!

Amy Sansone superintendent of The Syracuse Diocese Schools (whom ironically is also a board member at Bishop Ludden) and Bishop Lucia have given statements since but, yet provide zero proof! 

Amy Sansone said Grimes was chosen to close because its building needs more work than Ludden’s. She didn’t have any specific numbers. The Grimes building is 60 years old, and needs work on its roof, windows and other physical maintenance. This is false as Grimes has had several updates over the years and Ludden has had none! Diocese officials said an analysis of trends in Catholic education, including enrollment, financial stability and long-term sustainability, led to the decision. Bishop Grimes would require more money to make necessary physical improvements, “Their building is in need of more capital improvements.” This is false and a visit to either building would prove that!

Where is the proof? Estimates? Budget? They gave with ZERO proof of anything! 

OUR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION SHOULD NOT BE SOLD TO PAY FOR THE SINS OF OTHERS!

 The diocese declared bankruptcy nearly five years ago amid a growing number of sex abuse claims. The heart of the diocese’s proposed exit plan is to distribute $100 million to abuse survivors if they agree not to pursue further legal claims against the diocese and more than 250 other Catholic institutions. 

Bishop Grimes has given the children a strong Catholic foundation. Our children and families have been betrayed by the Diocese! 

What will this betrayal do to the faith of our children?

Why were these decisions made in the dark on the desk of a Bishop Ludden board member whom is also the Catholic Diocese School Superintendent? 

Why was the school staff, families and alumni not privy to any of the needs, so that we as a community could work together on a solution? 

Why was the school staff, families and students from both schools not consulted on possible future changes that might be needed? Again, allowing us to work together on possible plans and solutions that worked for everyone! 

How do you combine rival schools? 
Battle of the Bishops! 
How will Grimes kids feel welcomed as the Ludden kids are rightfully feeling invaded? 
How will our talented caring staff and teachers be treated or will they just end up unemployed? 
How will our amazing record breaking and hall of fame coaches be treated? Or our athletes, many with scholarships on the line?  Who will get playing time, we have strong talented teams play many sports against each other! How does this work? How is this ever going to be fair???  

Bishop Grimes has a 100% Graduation Rate 

100% college acceptance

Grade of A- for academics and college prep on Niche

Please sign this petition to HELP save Bishop Grimes from the cruel and despicable decisions being made with little to no merit or compassion.

Please for our past alumni, current and future students and families! Our BG family is strong but, we are hurting! Our school deserves to be saved from being sold and destroyed over lies and criminal activity! Please help us stall proceedings to allow us time to work out a plan that works for everyone! 

PLEASE GIVE US A CHANCE! 🤍🐍💙💪🏼Once a Cobra, Always a Cobra!