StAProject2025

see below the facts...

• The school is experiencing consistent enrollment growth, increasing from 174 to 225 students in just three years, demonstrating vibrant community support.

• New services and resources are now available that greatly benefit students but require proper facilities to be delivered effectively.

• Critical services like speech therapy, Title 1 classes, occupational therapy, tutoring, counseling, and individual testing lack designated spaces, causing disruption and inefficiencies.

• Parent meetings are often held in the parish center or the principal's office, which is too small to accommodate more than a couple of people.

• Special classes (art, computer, music) share one room, leading to scheduling conflicts and holding classes in unsuitable locations like hallways, the cafeteria, and even outdoors.

• Spanish classes are conducted in the cafeteria, while Title 1 tutoring is done near the gym entrance.

• Teachers and aides work at small desks in hallways due to a lack of proper workspaces..

• There is no teacher workroom for class preparation, collaboration, or conferencing, impacting staff effectiveness.

• Staff do not have separate restrooms and must share facilities with students, which consist of just two restrooms (6 stalls total) for 157 students aged 5-14.

• Overcrowding forces students to use hallways or the Augustine Center as makeshift classrooms, including an 8th-grade study hall outdoors during good weather.

• Counseling sessions require the principal to vacate their office and use a standing desk in the hall.

• Kelso’s continued growth makes this expansion essential to meet current and future demand for Catholic education.

• Providing adequate facilities will allow the school to fully support its mission of fostering spiritual, academic, and personal growth in students.

• After years of maximizing existing resources, it’s clear the time has come for a new phase of investment to ensure the school can serve its current and future students effectively.

• By investing in this expansion, you will help St. Augustine continues to thrive as a center of faith-filled education.