ROCK ISLAND — Jordan Catholic School’s capital campaign, “Shaping the Future,” seems to be moving in only one direction — forward, and at full speed.

Launched last fall, the campaign has raised $1.5 million of its $2.6 million goal and bids on Phase I are expected back by Feb. 22, according to Janine Parr, director of advancement at Jordan Catholic.

Assisting the school is The Steier Group, which is based in Omaha, Neb.
The first phase includes the construction of six new classrooms, a new science lab, a centralized computer lab, and a multipurpose space that will accommodate vocal and instrumental programs as well as early childhood physical education programs. The school sits on property adjacent to St. Pius X Parish and a new corridor will link all classrooms to Farrell Hall there.

To make the school even more secure, the entrance at 2901 24th St. will be reconstructed to create an area with more controlled access to the building. With all classrooms returned to teaching space, school offices can be relocated from various spots around the building to one area, Parr added.

One of the most anticipated benefits of “Shaping the Future” is being able to bring the seventh- and eighth-graders back from the St. Ambrose campus in Milan.

“It remains our goal to have a unified campus where all the students can learn in one place,” Parr said, noting that this could happen by next January.

The house that sits next to the school will be demolished on or about April 1, which will clear the way for construction to begin, she told The Catholic Post. Some of that timing will depend on the spring thaw and the condition of the land.

PHASE II INCLUDES GYM
The second phase of “Shaping the Future” calls for construction of a regulation-size gymnasium with a junior high basketball court, retractable bleacher seating to accommodate 250 people, and new locker rooms. The gym is also designed to provide access to Farrell Hall.

A capital campaign to raise the $2.1 million necessary for Phase II will come at a later date. “We wanted to make sure the classrooms came first,” Parr said.

She is excited about the “enriched educational environment” that Jordan Catholic will be able to provide as a result of these projects. An important part of that is the STEM Center, which challenges and supports students in their study of science, technology, engineering and math.

“We owe it to the students to provide them with the best and with this, we can do that,” Parr said, adding that the school’s “amazing teachers” will have more tools to do what they need to do.

They also hope to open the school’s doors to offer summer programs and other activities that will benefit the community as well.

“This is an exciting opportunity for students in the area,” Parr said. “Hopefully people will want to be part of the opportunity to fund it.”
For more information, contact Parr at Jordan Catholic School, (309) 793-7350, ext. 210.