|
St.
Joseph School, supported by St. Joseph and Mary, Queen of Peace
Parishes will proceed with the purchase of the Snoqualmie campus in order
to provide our growing school the additional space it needs to meet the
demand for Catholic elementary education in the Issaquah, Sammamish and
greater Snoqualmie areas.
This
will be the first in an ongoing effort to inform parents and parishioners
of the exciting steps being taken as St. Joseph School seeks a down
payment for purchase of the Snoqualmie campus on or before December 31,
2004. This is an incredible
opportunity and the Focus On Our Future Committee wishes to thank
those who have already generously stepped forward to support this effort.
Frequently
Asked Questions
1.
How large is the current Snoqualmie Campus?
The
current facility is 10,515 sq. feet and consists of five classrooms, a
gymnasium, kitchen and separate house for specialists. The facility sits
on 3.98 acres, of which a portion is designated as protected wetland and
building on that portion is not an option.
2.
What will the renovation of the Snoqualmie Campus look like?
Our
renovation is two phases; the first phase includes the enlargement of two
classrooms, the addition of four classrooms, seating and storage in the
gymnasium, and a large multi-purpose room attached to the kitchen. The
second phase is the addition of the last four classrooms.
3.
Why is the renovation being done in two phases?
A
two- phase expansion project most closely matches our increasing student
enrollment projections. Matching our student growth with our facility
growth also makes the best financial sense. This project will be a
combination of fundraising, a favorable loan agreement with the Whitakers,
loans from the Archdiocese and careful financial planning on the part of
the school and church. We are planning very carefully with the Parish
Council and the Parish Finance Committee to make sure that we make our
milestones as we progress through this project.
A
two-phase project also means that we can spread the fundraising and
gifting opportunities to a wider base of families both at St. Joseph and
Mary, Queen of Peace. There will be many new families adding to our school
and parishes over the next two to four years as the population grows with
developments such as Talus, Issaquah Highlands and Snoqualmie Ridge. These
families have not participated in a school or parish campaign and it is
our intention to approach these families in subsequent fundraising for a
gift/pledge to this project. This project benefits not only those who are
here now, but those who will come after us.
We are hoping that the spirit of this school and parish will infect
all those that join us.
4.
Is it possible to have a two-story building to save some field/play space?
The
option of putting the second-phase
classrooms on top of the completed first phase, thus keeping some
additional play space for the children, is being looked at as a
possibility. It is not possible to build over the current Snoqualmie
structure without extensive retrofitting costs.
5.
Will there be any other modifications to the presented building plans?
The
project committee is still in the process of making modifications to the
building plans to ensure that it completely meets the needs of the school
and parish and is within our budgetary constraints.
6.
What will happen to the house on the property?
There
are no current plans for the house at this time. However, one possible use
for the house in the future could be a chapel for the school.
7.
Why can’t we just add more classrooms at Issaquah?
Currently,
the parish and school have used up the allowable “buildable” area at
the Issaquah Campus. This means that our only possibility for expansion is
adding another floor to our current buildings, which is not a viable
option at this time.
8.
How much does this project cost?
The
purchase of the Snoqualmie campus is $1.5 million. The Whitaker family has
been very generous to us by offering us a price that is approximately
one-half of the current market value. They have done this for us, not only
because of their belief in Catholic education, but a belief in St. Joseph
School and Parish. They have also been very generous to offer us wonderful
payment terms of $300,000 down and the ability to carry the loan for five
years.
After
a down payment of $300,000 is secured and the Whitakers assume the note,
our lease payments will change to mortgage payments. The loan will be paid through the school’s operating
expenses and is budgeted for in our five-year plan.
All funds raised during this major gift effort will go towards
funding the purchase and Phase One of the renovation. Funding for Phase
Two (the addition of the last four classrooms) will be determined after
the completion of Phase One. The decision to proceed with Phase Two will
be made by the Pastoral Council and Parish Finance Committee.
9.
Why does the school have to raise $300,000 by December 30, 2004 if our
lease was for 10 years?
Our
lease agreement with the Whitakers is for 10 years, but the purchase
clause for $1.5 million is good for only the first three years. The
Whitaker family has since also offered to carry the loan for the school
for five years if we complete the purchase by December 31, 2004.
10.
My family would like to contribute to this project but cannot come to a
reception at this time. How can I participate?
If
you would like more information on the project, a member of the Focus
on Our Future Committee would be happy to meet with you at any time to
further discuss the details of the project.
If you are ready to make a commitment to our project, contact
Jennifer Ballsmith (425 396-4251) and a packet of information can be sent
to you.
11.
Do we need to give the school the money right now?
If
you can afford to gift the school in one lump sum, it is certainly
appreciated. Commitments can be made in the form of monthly, quarterly,
semi-annual or annual payments over two to three years either with an
initial down payment or without. A down payment provides immediate cash to
be applied toward the $300,000 due on or before December 30, 2004.
Gifts can also be made in the form of stock, checks or credit
cards. Also, if your company matches, please turn a matching form with
your letter of intent to maximize the gift to the school.
|