Preston High School in the Bronx made headlines earlier this year when it announced its closure, despite having a solid financial standing and near-target enrollment numbers. This decision baffled many, including alumnae, current students, families, and some staff members, who refused to accept the explanation provided by the Sisters of the Divine Compassion, the religious order that owns the school. The closure sparked a wave of activism, with Letitia James, the New York attorney general, stepping in to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shutdown.
A public hearing was held, drawing a crowd of 500 people who passionately testified against the closure. Graduates, staff, families, and elected officials joined forces to keep the school open, emphasizing its importance as a cornerstone of the community. Amanda Farías, a City Council member and Preston alumna, criticized the lack of transparency from the Sisters of the Divine Compassion and questioned their motives for shutting down the school.
The Sisters of the Divine Compassion cited financial instability, changing demographics, and the need to prepare for retirement as reasons for the closure. However, many alumnae speculate that there may be undisclosed factors at play, especially after the rejection of a generous offer from the Bally’s Foundation to purchase the school’s buildings.
The situation took a legal turn when John McCarrick, a lawyer with ties to Preston, submitted a brief to the attorney general alleging that the organization was illegally breaking its lease agreement with the school. This further fueled the efforts of Preston Forever, a group of graduates fighting to keep the school open.
The Sisters of the Divine Compassion defended their decision, stating that Bally’s failed to commit to long-term support for the school and the continued use of the property as an educational facility. Bally’s chairman, Soo Kim, refuted these claims, insisting that the offer still stands and includes provisions for the school’s future sustainability.
As the battle to save Preston High School rages on, alumnae like Crystal Donkor, an English professor, reflect on the transformative impact the school had on their lives. With the support of community leaders, legal experts, and dedicated individuals, the fight to preserve Preston’s legacy continues, with hopes of a positive outcome for all involved.
