The Gloucester Education Foundation has surpassed the $1 million mark in its $3 million capital campaign to finance construction of a new courtyard at O’Maley Innovation Middle School.
The foundation also reports it has secured $200,000 for Gloucester High School’s new Medical Assisting program, adding to the $256,000 already raised.
Emily Siegel, GEF’s executive director, said of the $1 million raised so far for the courtyard project, $400,000 will be used for the feasibility study and design phase.
“The rest of what we’ve raised so far will go towards the construction budget, which is estimated at $1.5 million to $2 million,” she said. “Our campaign goal is $3 million, however, to fully cover the costs of feasibility, design, construction, an owner’s project manager, permitting and contingencies.”
Siegel said the front of O’Maley has enormous potential, but currently misses the mark. The concept for the 0.8-acre concrete slab calls for several recreational areas as well as trees and picnic tables to give kids places to sit.
“A reimagined O’Maley courtyard won’t simply be a nicer outdoor space,” she said. “It will be a visible shift in how students experience school every day. A few years from now, success will look like students choosing to spend time outdoors because the space invites movement, connection and creativity.”
Siegel said teachers will eventually use the courtyard as an extension of the classroom — for science, writing, discussion and reflection — because it supports learning in unique ways.
“During the school day, students who need to move, socialize or reset will have places that feel safe and welcoming, intentionally designed with their needs in mind,” she said. “Performances, assemblies and school events will take place in the courtyard on a regular basis. The space will feel alive, cared for and student-centered.”
Siegel said the project partners — GEF, city officials and the school district — are “grateful for the enthusiasm the project has generated” and for the “significant investments that donors have made” since the concept was unveiled last fall during the foundation’s 20th anniversary gala.
“We also have a long way to go to reach our $3 million goal,” Siegel said. “We hope this milestone will galvanize individuals, families, businesses and foundations to get engaged and support this ambitious project. Students deserve it, teachers need it, families are hoping for it and the community will appreciate it for years to come.”
Siegel said securing the $200,000 for the medical assisting program shows the local philanthropic community, as well as contributor the Philadelphia-based Ware Foundation understand the value of “opening new programs and career pathways for Gloucester students.”
“It says that they are willing to kick-start a new vocational track that the district couldn’t afford to get off the ground on their own, with their tight operating budget, using private dollars,” she said. “It also speaks to the demand for healthcare workers, as the population locally and nationally ages and looks to the next generation of medical professionals and caregivers to keep them healthy.”
Over a four-year period, the Gloucester Public Schools and the Gloucester Education Foundation partnered with a wide network of healthcare professionals to make the medical assisting program possible by vetting new program tracks, building a Program Advisory Board, getting approval from the School Committee, and learning from other schools.
However, Siegel said the Gloucester Education Foundation does not do anything alone, but strives to “be a connector, a catalyst and a convener who helps big ideas come to life.”
“Gloucester Public School teachers, students, families and leaders are the ones who do the hard work of creating, implementing and strengthening programs and projects in our schools,” she said. “People are inspired to give to projects like medical assisting and the O’Maley courtyard because they see the high level of need, they see the hardworking school staff working to improve our schools and they want to be in a place where families can raise their children and give them every opportunity.”
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.