Gary O'Neil has two grandchildren who attend St. Rose of Lima. His wife's entire family went there too.

So when news came this week that the Catholic school was among 13 that will close in June, the Brooklyn Park man was as worried about his community as he was his family.

"I think it's going to be real hard on the community," O'Neil said. "It's part of what keeps Brooklyn propped up."

The Archdiocese of Baltimore announced Thursday it would close 13 schools in Baltimore City and Baltimore County because of declining enrollment and rising operating costs.

Schools in Baltimore...