Next year, our preschool will join the School of the Good Shepheerd in our elementary school building. The Good Shepherd family is drawing even closer together.
Over the years, our preschool building has been plagued by persistent leaks and occasional water damage. These problems intensified in the fall of 2012 when heavy rains affected our area, after which the parish, in consultation with the diocese and its contractors, commissioned an extensive analysis of the preschool building's roofing needs. Because the contractors preparing the analysis were concerned that years of ponding water on the building's roof might have compromised the preschool's structural integrity, the parish also had the building examined by structural engineers in early 2013.
While engineers found that the roof and sub-roof would need to be replaced, they concluded that there was no threat to the structual integrity of the building or to the safety of its occupants. However, the parish was advised that the total cost of repairing the roof, sub-roof and associated requirements (e.g. replacing ceiling tile, carpeting, re-painting, etc.) would be approximately $90,000.
This expense far exceeds the funds available to either the school or the parish. Accordingly, the parish Finance Board, Parish Council, school and preschool personnel, in consultation with the diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools, explored a variety of options. Three options emerged as possibilities: 1) close the preschool; 2) move it to another structure (similar to the new church office); or 3) house the preschool in the elementary school building.
For many years, the preschool has been a loving and invaluable outreach to the surrounding community. The entire parish community, therefore, joined in seeking ways of strengthening it, not closing it. Funding a separate facility also exceeds the financial resources available to the parish and school, particularly as savings have been depleted to finance operating deficits at both the preschool and the school. As the elementary school is well under its licensed capacity, housing the preschool in the elementary school building beginning with the next academic year affords us the opportunity both to preserve its rich heritage and to strengthen the educational opportunities available to preschool, elementary and middle school students alike.
A committee of preschool and elementary school teachers has been meeting since the fall of 2013 to plan the move. Preschoolers will benefit from additional opportunities to enjoy formal music, art and other enriching programs. Elementary and middle school students will have the opportunity to master their own fields of study through tutoring and mentoring the younger students.
Challenge is the reflection of opportunity. Our school needs additional students, and a promotional campaign and other efforts are underway to attract them. This initiative will only be strengthened by the preschool relocation. Costs need to be reduced. This is a time of change, a time that calls us to new and inspired ways of bringing our school's rich heritage to future generations. One thing will not change, however: the face of Christ our students will find in every grade, PK through 8, at the School of the Good Shepherd.