Staff, students, families and the community learned Friday, Feb. 28 Sacred Heart Catholic School will remain open next year.
When the community was told in January that a $170,000 budget shortfall led the Catholic Independent Schools Kamloops Diocese (CISKD) to make a decision to close the school, people rallied.
Within days, pledges were made to cover the shortfall and by Feb. 10 the board said it was rescinding the decision on condition the money was raised.
"As of today, the in-hand donations total $203,565, pledged amounts are $47,930," said CISKD Supt. Christopher Yuen in a letter to dated Feb. 28, 2024. "What a remarkable example of unity, solidarity and community."
Moving forward, Yuen's office will work with Sacred Heart Catholic Church Pastor Paul Simms and the local school committee on a sustainability plan for the future of the school.
Yuen said they will also provide clarity to the community on how the school is governed.
Initial conversations are "well underway" and Yuen said, adding he is looking forward to the upcoming discussions.
The school opened in the 1990s and presently goes up to Grade 7.
A fundraising dinner for the school organized by the local Filipino community for March 8 has also sold out.
