St. Jude Alumni, Parents Meet to Discuss Ways to Keep School Open

They say if the 76 year old school is financially strapped, they’re able to raise the money. But will it matter?

 

St Jude is closing at the end of the school year, which is just days away. Parents and staff were told it’s because the school didn’t have the money to stay open. St Jude, which was built for 500 students, has only about 110 students enrolled. 

 

“There are severe financial obstacles,” says Bill Ford. “Severe financial needs that have to be addressed.” 

 

Ford is the president of the St Jude Alumni and Friends Association. He says the school needs about 1.5 million dollars and says parents and alumni plan to raise as much money as possible as fast as possible.

 

“We’re not here to denigrate anybody or rehash old grievances,” he says. “We’re here to see what can we do to raise money because that’s the greatest obstacle.”

 

St. Jude sits in Councilman David Burkette’s district. He says he’s optimistic about the fundraising efforts but says he understands why the school is closing. 

 

“I feel that is the major issue there,” he says. “The lack of enrollment and lack of money that is being paid out. Anytime you have revenue issues, it has to stem from not paying. You have people who really can’t afford to pay.”

 

The alumni association now has legal representation which will meet with the Archdiocese of Mobile to plead for their school. Those with ties to the school believe they can find a way to keep it open. 

 

“With the strength behind the families that have come out of the school and the ones that are still there, if we all just pull together, I really feel optimistic that we can make a change and make a difference,” says alumnae Vanessa Bell.