Catholic School Closing and Accessing of Payment Protection Program Loans During COVID

• In Event: Critical Perspectives on Achievement and Equity in Catholic Schools

Abstract

This study builds on prior studies that sought to identify variables associated with Catholic school closure and analyze their value as predictors. The sample included 1200 schools in the Northeast region. This study found that school closure in the early pandemic was higher than that seen in previous studies and that closed schools had lower enrollments, negative enrollment change, and higher Hispanic and low-income percentages in their census tract. A unique aspect of this study was the investigation of PPP loans and their impact on school closure. Over 90 percent of the Catholic schools received loans and receiving a loan was significantly related to remaining open.

Authors

• Thomas J. Ward, College of William & Mary
  Presenting Author

• Vincent Bradley, Catholic Memorial School
  Presenting Author