Introduction to the Crisis
Preston High School is expected to permanently close in June after the Sisters of the Divine Compassion, who own the site, turned down an offer from Bally’s philanthropic foundation to buy the property and keep the school open.
Reaction to the Decision
We were deeply disappointed to learn that the Sisters of the Divine Compassion rejected the generous and timely offer from Bally’s Foundation North America to purchase the Preston High School property, effectively halting efforts to save this beloved institution. The Bronx Times article accurately highlights our collective shock and frustration at the Sisters’ unexplained decision, despite the foundation’s willingness to pay $8.5 million—matching the Sisters’ original asking price—and to lease the property back to Preston for just $1 per year.
Efforts to Save the School
As local elected officials, including Majority Leader Amanda Farías—a proud 2007 Preston graduate — Assembly Member Michael Benedetto and Senator Nathalia Fernandez, we have diligently explored every possible solution at the city and state level to keep Preston open. We examined funding options through NYCEDC, city and state sources and even engaged directly with the New York Attorney General’s Office and the Charities Bureau to help navigate potential paths forward toward independence for the school.
The Bally’s Foundation Proposal
The Bally’s Foundation proposal represented an optimal and realistic opportunity to preserve the educational legacy Preston High School offers generations of young women in the Bronx, making the Sisters’ rejection of the offer all the more perplexing.
Community Response and Demand for Transparency
We stand alongside the over 10,000 petition signers—alumni, parents, students and community members — who still seek answers and transparency. Our community deserves clarity about why this viable solution was dismissed, and we continue to advocate strongly for accountability and transparency from the Sisters of the Divine Compassion and Preston’s Board of Trustees.
Conclusion
The rejection of the Bally’s Foundation offer by the Sisters of the Divine Compassion has left the community with more questions than answers. As local elected officials, we will continue to fight for the preservation of Preston High School and demand transparency and accountability from the Sisters and the school’s Board of Trustees.
FAQs
Q: What is happening to Preston High School?
A: Preston High School is expected to permanently close in June after the Sisters of the Divine Compassion rejected an offer from Bally’s philanthropic foundation to buy the property and keep the school open.
Q: Who made the offer to save the school?
A: Bally’s Foundation North America made an offer to purchase the Preston High School property for $8.5 million and lease it back to the school for $1 per year.
Q: Why was the offer rejected?
A: The reasons for the rejection of the offer by the Sisters of the Divine Compassion are unclear, and the community is demanding transparency and accountability.
Q: What efforts were made to save the school?
A: Local elected officials explored every possible solution at the city and state level, including funding options and engagement with the New York Attorney General’s Office and the Charities Bureau.
Q: What is the community doing in response to the rejection?
A: Over 10,000 petition signers, including alumni, parents, students, and community members, are seeking answers and transparency, and local elected officials are continuing to advocate for accountability and transparency from the Sisters and the school’s Board of Trustees.
