PRESCOTT – St. Joseph Parish School has kicked off a new campaign, called Founded in Faith, to raise $1.5 million to fund critical infrastructure to the existing 1959 school building.
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PRESCOTT – St. Joseph Parish School has kicked off a new campaign, called Founded in Faith, to raise $1.5 million to fund critical infrastructure to the existing 1959 school building.
According to a news release from the campaign committee, the campaign will renew and strengthen the facilities for the next generation of students. The 67-year-old building, which serves about 120 students in K-6, plus 30 in 4K, is showing its age and needs updates to ensure the continued safety, health and comfort of students and staff.
The campaign will fund essential improvements, including:
The campaign officially kicked off in late December, following a long period of study. The news release, written by parishioner Maria Franco, calls this moment a crossroads in the school’s history.
“We are at a turning point,” said Principal Chris Magee. “We can choose to invest in the future of Catholic education here in Prescott, or we risk slowly watching this school fade away over time. We believe this school is too important — to our parish, to our families, and to our community — to let that happen.”
The improvements will modernize the campus while preserving the school’s character and legacy.
“The improvements were identified as critical for the preservation, updating, and long-term use of this school building as we look forward to the next 50 years,” Hiniker said. “Energy efficiency, safety, and climate control were also important concerns.
“These improvements are important to not only invest in the future of the physical building itself, but it is really an investment in the next few generations of parishioners as well as children of the entire Prescott area community. We believe the school is here for anyone looking for a high quality educational experience rooted in faith and values.”
Hiniker said the committee heading the campaign is small but determined.
“We may be a small committee, but we are working hard to reach as many current and previous parishioners as well as past alumni to help make this campaign a success,” she said. “We have different layers and components of committees, composed of parishioners, school parents, school alumni, staff members, and community members with expertise in building, maintenance, marketing, fundraising, and alumni relations.”
Hiniker said the campaign has reached the halfway mark through pledged and mostly collected dollars. They are hoping to reach 80% of the total needed by March 31 in order to fully move ahead with plans to begin construction immediately after school is out for the summer.
Hiniker said enrollment grew sharply between 2018 and 2022, then leveled off, remaining relatively stable for the past four years. They anticipate having more than 120 students for the
the 2026-2027 school year.
Hiniker said St. Joseph Parish School is special to the community in many ways.
“Some of it is our history, and the generations of students and families who still call this school and parish their home,” she said. “Our staff is truly unique as well, with so many teachers who have spent their entire career here, and many volunteers who come each day because they love and care about the mission of the school.”
One recently completed project at the school is the newly installed hardwood gym floor. Hiniker, who is also the chairperson of the Gala Committee, said the Jan. 24 90s themed event raised a net of more than $63,000 for the floor installation.
“The previous floor was the original floor from when the gym was constructed and was quickly deteriorating,” Hiniker said. “Amazingly, we raised enough funds for the gym floor and they were able to start the installation on Feb. 9.”
Parishioners, alumni, and community members are encouraged to learn more about and support the Founded in Faith campaign by visiting stjosephprescott.com/founded-in-faith
