BRONZEVILLE — If Hales Franciscan doesn't raise a lot of money quickly, the historically African-American Catholic school on the city's South Side might have to close its doors, school officials said.
Nichole Jackson, principal of the school at 4930 S. Cottage Grove Ave. in Bronzeville, said Hales Franciscan has until the end of the school year, May 29, to raise $300,000 to cover its expenses through the end of the fiscal year in December.
"If we don't, we will be forced to cease operations for the next school year," Jackson said. "I think it's definitely doable. It seems like a lot, but if people know the history of the school, they'll be willing to do what it takes to make sure the doors will be open."
The school, which opened in 1962 as an all-male high school, received a $5 million grant from the Michael Jordan foundation back in 2007. The grant gives the school a half-million dollars each year for 10 years. The school also receives tuition. The money that is being raised now would help offset all expenses until next year, Jackson said.
According to Jackson, the average cost to run the school per year is $1.5 to $2 million, which covers teachers' salaries and day-to-day operations, among other expenses. This school year, operating on a "bare bones" budget, the budget was about $1.2 million.
To help raise the money, the school created a GoFundMe page last month, which has raised some $4,000 in the past few weeks.
"Many of the [students] are a little upset. They're upset because it's really a family here," Jackson said. Students have been writing letters to local celebrities and posting on social media to help save the school.
"All of the kids have been extremely supportive. It's been a collective effort," she said.
The school had an enrollment of 400 students in its early days, but enrollment has since dwindled. About seven years ago, the school had between 150 to 200 students. Despite going coeducational two years ago, just 100 students were enrolled at the school at the beginning of this year, Jackson said.
Despite being more affordable than other Catholic high schools, the school does not plan to raise tuition. Their annual tuition is about $7,500, comparable to Leo High School on the South Side, she said.
"Although it's lower than other schools, we're also a very small school. We want to maintain that affordable tuition," Jackson said.
Cole Yates, a freshman at the school, said the situation has definitely depressed him and his classmates.
"It made us feel bad. We like the school and we don't want it to close. We thought it wouldn't happen, but we've got to go find a way," he said.
Eddy "Precise" Lamarre, a graduate of Hales, said that alumni are "frustrated" by the situation.
"In 1989 we experienced this same situation and we went Downtown to collect donations. It galvanized us and made us proud that we were able to help save the school. In 2015, we find ourselves in the same situation and we have to find ways to help," said Lamarre, a contributor for the Rolling Out website.
So far, alumni have discussed separate fundraising strategies beyond the GoFundMe push, from an old-style school dance to a family weekend. They're also hoping for a boost from their annual fundraiser, the Donald Hubert Gala. Either way, they're confident they can put things together for a second time, he said.
"I believe the money will be raised. In the spirit of speaking things into existence, I don't even entertain the notion of not accomplishing this goal. We are Spartans," he said.
Still, Raymellia Jones, a 15-year-old freshman from Bronzeville, said she was nervous about possibly having to attend a new school.
"It's a really good school and a close school. I can't imagine how it is at other schools. Teachers here get to know you and have your best interest at heart. That's the kind of school I want to be in," Jones said.
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