LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) -- A Lynchburg teacher is taking matters into her own hands after Holy Cross Catholic School announced its closing.

Ann Shenigo who currently teaches 5th grade at Holy Cross said she and others plan to open a new school called Holy Cross Academy next year.

She said Holy Cross Academy will be a private institution with pre-K to 8th grade.

It will not be funded by the Catholic Diocese.

"We have met every night since January devising our mission statement, what we plan our school to look like, how we want to engage our parents and they are going to be the key for our success the parents," said Shenigo.

RELATED | Family, students shocked that Holy Cross Catholic School will close in June

The Catholic Diocese of Richmond’s Office of Catholic Schools announced that Holy Cross Regional Catholic School in Lynchburg will permanently cease operations at the end of the 2019-2020 school year.

The school will be closed in June.

“More than ever, we want our schools to flourish as they form and nurture our young people in the Catholic faith,” said the Most Rev. Barry C. Knestout, bishop of Richmond. “It is with sadness that we announce the closure of a Catholic school that has been part of our diocese for 140 years. I want to express my gratitude to the many teachers, staff, administrators and families for your service and dedication to Holy Cross and the support you have given and provided to the students. Please keep the Holy Cross Catholic School community in your prayers during this time.”

The Diocese said for the past 17 years, Holy Cross's enrollment has declined by 61 percent from the 2001-2002 school year to the 2019-2020 school year.

Shenigo said they have not determined a new location for the school yet.

She's hosting a meeting to answer questions from parents at Holy Cross at 6:30 p.m. on Monday.

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Sunday marked the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America that killed over 3,000 Americans.

Several of your local politicians made sure to remember the countless lives lost on the anniversary.

SEE ALSO: Virginia Lawmakers reflect on 21st anniversary of 9/11

Congressman Bob Good (R), 5th District, said that the day will forever live in infamy.

"All of us who are old enough remember what it was like on 2001, 21 years ago on 9/11, one of the most devastating days in the history of our country," Good said. "Which reminds us that evil exists in the world, and it's important that we're vigilant as a country. We need a strong America to combat that evil."

SEE ALSO: 'We thank them for their sacrifice:' RPD participated in Memorial Stair Climb

Senator Tim Kaine expressed his remembrance on Twitter.

To see other reflections on 9/11 from area lawmakers, click here.

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Sunday marked the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America that killed over 3,000 Americans.

Several of your local politicians made sure to remember the countless lives lost on the anniversary.

SEE ALSO: Virginia Lawmakers reflect on 21st anniversary of 9/11

Congressman Bob Good (R), 5th District, said that the day will forever live in infamy.

"All of us who are old enough remember what it was like on 2001, 21 years ago on 9/11, one of the most devastating days in the history of our country," Good said. "Which reminds us that evil exists in the world, and it's important that we're vigilant as a country. We need a strong America to combat that evil."

SEE ALSO: 'We thank them for their sacrifice:' RPD participated in Memorial Stair Climb

Senator Tim Kaine expressed his remembrance on Twitter.

To see other reflections on 9/11 from area lawmakers, click here.