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Austin Catholic Academy has set in motion several important items during the past few months to ensure the future of the school including the hiring of a new headmaster, the re-design of a more financially feasible facility, and the development of an operations plan and curriculum. Progress has also been made toward financing. But, the difficult economic times have proven to be even more challenging than expected, and the Board of Directors and Augustinians Fathers and Brothers have decided to delay the opening of the school until 2011.

“Interest in the school remains extremely high, and everything is ready to go in terms of plans for the facility,” said Austin Catholic Academy Headmaster, Fr. David Brecht, O.S.A. “It’s a matter of the financing.”

Austin Catholic Academy was previously slated to open in 2010 and will still be staffed by the Midwest Province of the Augustinian Fathers and Brothers.

We have continued to pursue financing arrangements with various banks and lending institutions and solicit donations from major donors,” said Leonard Brillati, president of the school’s Journey of a Lifetime capital campaign. “This has been challenging during these difficult economic times, but the markets are beginning to appear more favorable, “ he added. “While the delay is disappointing, we remain confident about our future”

The new school design is just one example of Austin Catholic Academy’s commitment to continue to move forward. The Building Committee, working with our architects, French Associates, and building contractors, George W. Auch Company, has developed a somewhat smaller but beautiful new design to accommodate 500 instead of 800 students, as originally designed.

The re-designed facility is approximately 79,000 SF and is now a single story structure. It is a more traditional plan with general purpose classrooms organized into two wings. It includes science classrooms, specialty labs and computer classrooms as well. The focal point of the new design is still the chapel and adjoining spaces.

Other amenities include a competition gymnasium, cafeteria, Media center as well as specialty classrooms for art and music.

The re-designed site will allow for convenient automotive circulation and provide parking for visitors, staff and some student use. The new design will also allow for future expansion.

There remains a real need for a Catholic high school in northern Macomb County. As Fr. Brecht said, “The importance of meeting this need drives us on. We remain fully committed and confident about our future.”