The trend is a difficult one for families in the Church, but what effect will it have on public schools nearby?

According to Patrick Manley, superintendent of the Franklin Square Union Free School District, St. Catherine’s closing could affect the Franklin Square district’s budget — but not by much.

Manley said that 39 St. Catherine’s students in grades K-6 are Franklin Square residents who will be looking for placement in the district or another private or parochial school next year. If those students enroll in another private or parochial school, he added, they are required to apply for transportation services by next April 1.

Manley also said that he doesn’t think the closing will dramatically increase transportation costs for the Franklin Square district, which has the flexibility to incorporate transportation changes into its 2012-13 budget.

“We welcome any residents who wish to transition to public schools,” he said, adding that, depending on the number of St. Catherine’s students who enroll, the district might need to hire an additional teacher — a change that would not significantly affect the budget. “The cost of one new teacher will be wholly absorbed by the difference between one retiree and their replacement,” Manley explained.

At a Franklin Square Board of Education meeting on Dec. 7, some parents raised questions about the budget, including resident Dennis McDonnell. “What are the ramifications of the St. Catherine School closing?” McDonnell asked the board.