03:26 PM CST on Friday, December 9, 2005

WWLTV.com

Holy Cross High school will be permanently moving out of its historic Ninth Ward location for the school year that begins in the Fall of 2006, school officials announced Friday.

The school, which suffered significant damage, will reopen on its traditional campus in January, but is seeking a relocation for the following school year due to concerns about the future of the Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood.

Holy Cross has been housed at its current location for 126 years.

“The decision to leave the historic campus was a painful but unavoidable one,” said Headmaster Charles DiGange. “Our location in the corner of the city has long been an issue for parents, alumni and prospective students, particularly in light of decades-long population shift away from our campus.”

DiGange did not say where Holy Cross might relocate, only that it would be in the New Orleans area. “The board expects to consider several potential sites in Orleans and Jefferson parishes, and the school hopes to acquire a permanent campus soon. Final approval of a new site will come from the Brothers of Holy Cross. “

DiGange said the school would work with the Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood to try to insure that the old campus will be used to benefit the area.

School officials said they are anticipating about 500 of the previously-enrolled 830 students to return in January in grades 5-12.