St. John Grade School in Bellaire Making Plans to Remain Open
St. John still awaiting approval from bishop
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BELLAIRE -- There is a plan in the works to keep St. John Central Grade School open in Bellaire -- but it still must be approved by Bishop Jeffrey Monforton of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Steubenville.
The St. John Central Grade School Strategic Planning Committee is working on a "full plan" for the 2019-20 school year that must be submitted to the bishop by April 10, according to Annie Dimmick, the committee's development and strategic communication chairwoman. Dimmick declined to say what would happen if the bishop did not approve the plan. She noted, however, that the committee has been working closely with the diocese and that "the future looks very bright."
"The school is not closed. The diocese never announced that it was. … We're hopeful all our plans are viable," she said.
The grade school is enrolling students for the 2019-20 school year. Dimmick said parents can call the school to learn more about tuition assistance, including the EdChoice Scholarship Program.
The plan includes renovating and re-opening the former grade school building. The grade school has been operating out of the high school building. Another group of alumni are trying to raise money to keep the high school open following a Feb. 4 announcement that the Steubenville Diocese plans to shut it down after this school year ends.
The diocese already has said it would give the alumni group the high school building. The group members plan to rename the high school St. John Academy.
The grade school committee members noted they are working to determine the cost of renovating the grade school building.
"I think definitely at this point we have to make some plans to be somewhere. We're not sure how things will go with the high school. That's part of it," said the Rev. Dan Heusel, pastoral administrator of the grade school. "I think the main thing is having their own space. All of that is still up in the air. We haven't made a final decision yet. We don't know whether it's feasible to renovate the grade school -- that's one possibility. They would like to be in their own space if it's feasible to do that."
The committee also plans to revamp the school's curriculum, in addition to partnering with local businesses and groups in the Bellaire community.
"When we launch this program, people will be so excited to take part in it," grade school Principal Jarett Kuhns said. "The future of Central Grade School is strong. We are about to revolutionize Catholic education on this side of the Ohio River. Improving curriculum and instruction and offering one-to-one technology for grades three and up is just the start."
The committee noted the school is supported by the St. John Church in Bellaire, St. John Vianney Church in Powhatan Point, St. Mary Church in Shadyside and Sacred Heart in Neffs. The majority of the school's funding comes from tuition, parish subsidies gleaned from collection plates and fundraising.
"It's a ministry of the parish for the education of our children primarily. Just like the subsidy of any other ministry in whole or part, we subsidize part of the cost, usually a fourth," Heusel said.
Kuhns estimated within five years the grade school will offer a variety of opportunities for the students and community related to faith and more.
"Living our faith in action and applying what we learn in our communities is what we are about. We will be the best place for children to learn and the best place for teachers to work. As a family, we will pray together, work together and succeed together. I am excited about who we are, what we are doing and, most importantly, where we are going," he said.
Kuhns also is working with Partners in Mission, described as "the leading National Catholic School Enrollment and Advancement Firm." The firm is expected to help advance the school's mission and grow its enrollment.
The school is enrolling students in preschool through eighth grade for the 2019-20 school year.
"We have a projected enrollment next year of 90 to 100 students as of right now," Dimmick said.
Dimmick added that the support from the community has been overwhelming.
"These are people who want to see our school continue to succeed, not only because they love the school so much, but because they recognize the need for success in our community," she said.