UDATE: August 2010

 

(The following letter to Parishioners was published in the August issue of Catch the Spirit, a monthly publication to our supporting Parishes.  You can see past copies of Catch the Spirit on this website under the Development tab, click on Publications.)

 

Dear Parishioners and School Families,

As today’s second reading begins; “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” Just as Abraham was called to go out not knowing where he was to go, we have been called to keep the foundation of our Faith strong through our future, our Catholic Schools. We know that if we trust in God and have Faith He will lead us in the right direction. I am so honored that I have had the opportunity along with our school board, foundation and principals to take some of those first steps towards our future.

As many of you are aware, we conducted a feasibility study to determine if we could raise the funds needed to build a consolidated K through 8 grade school. The study was focused on a single location, Xavier Elementary , integrated with the St. Joseph Parish Campus. The desire to remain adjacent to one of our parishes was a leading factor from the Archbishop, as well as a primary method for maintaining our strong Catholic identity. The results of the study showed that a vast majority of our community was in favor of consolidation; however an even larger percentage expressed concern about the proposed sight in north Leavenworth. These concerns were focused in two areas: 1) The location/neighborhood itself and 2) That the available space was not sufficient for growth in terms of buildings, sports fields, and green space. It was a clear message from our community that other options needed to be further explored.

After exhausting our options associated with our current facilities, we began to look at suitable alternatives. The Muncie property began to again be considered as a viable option in late March. It sits on a beautiful 16 acres of land. Five years ago the public schools put two million dollars into the facility to add central air and heat, energy efficient windows, upgrade the electrical to handle progressive technology, and playground equipment. It is located in South Leavenworth; making it more centralized in our region, and will allow for growth over the next 10, 25 and even 50 years. The Archbishop granted permission for us to further investigate the Muncie facility. After two meetings with the Archbishop, many tours by the LRCS school board, local priest’s archdiocesan representatives, architects and maintenance staff, Archbishop Naumann gave us permission to purchase the property. In cooperation with our Leavenworth Catholic School Foundation, we utilized endowment funds to purchase the property. On August 3rd the property was purchased for $250,000.

The newly acquired building needs renovations to give it a Catholic Identity and other enhancements. In late September we will conduct a second feasibility study in order to gain community input as we continue to move forward. We’ll need everyone’s help, support and prayers to see the project through to successful completion.

The future of our Catholic Faith is our children.  In the next few months we will be sending out questionnaires and holding community forums. I truly hope that you will prayerfully consider getting involved for the sake of the future of The Leavenworth Catholic Schools.

Faithful to the Mission of Catholic Education,

Barbara Hamilton  Ferrara
President - Leavenworth Regional Catholic Schools

 

 

 

UPDATE: March 2010

 

Dear Parishioners,
I would like to extend a special thanks to those of you who participated in the recent feasibility study conducted by T.J. Isaacs of the Steier Group.  Seventy-four (74) individuals and/or couples met personally with T.J., while an additional 213 returned the mail and online survey.  
Based on the information gathered, the Steier Group reported their findings and recommendations to the School Board of Directors on February 22nd .  I would like to share some of those findings with you:
Sixty-three percent (63%) of our supporters are in favor of consolidating K-8 into one building, including 86 %  of the personal interview respondents.
Thirty-seven (37) supporters would be willing to serve as campaign leaders and solicit gifts for the campaign.
Sixty-two percent (62%) of our supporters are willing to make a gift to a capital campaign, including 88%  of personal interview respondents.
From these statistics and the additional responses to survey questions, the Steier Group provided our school with 18 recommendations.  I have summarized their recommendations below:
In light of the projected fundraising capacity The Leavenworth Regional Catholic Schools should move into a Capital Campaign Fund Drive.
The Leavenworth Regional Catholic Schools should continue working with its architect and community to finalize details for the school project.

Leavenworth Regional Catholic Schools should begin working with its parishes to build consensus on the plan to move forward.

What’s next? The School Board of Trustees met on February 23rd and voted to accept the Steier Groups recommendations and move forward with a capital campaign. There is still much more community input needed as we move into the actual building and site planning phase with the architects. We will publicize dates for future community forums and keep you updated as we progress.

Once again, thank you for participating in this critical campaign preparation process.  Your input has been extremely beneficial and has guided our decisions as we prepare for the success of our upcoming campaign.  
Gratefully,
Barbara Hamilton Ferrara

 

BACKGROUD