Child willing to give all to save Provo school
After a serious meeting Tuesday night, 7-year-old David was really worried. A bunch of adults were talking about closing down the private Meridian School in Provo.
His school.
The discussion in the Mitchell car on the drive home was how the family might skip vacations and cut other costs to raise money for Meridian.
David suddenly interrupted.
"Mom," he said, "I want to spend all my money on something I really want. And I want Meridian."
David promptly donated $4.20.
Only time will tell if it was a feeble gift in a failed bid to evade the end of an era, or if it was a "shot heard 'round the world" that helps launch Meridian into a new age of financial stability.
Since 2001, Meridian has run out of money at the end of each school year but added new programs in the belief that spending or investing some of the following year's tuition early would make the school more attractive and increase enrollment.
Instead, enrollment stagnated due to uncertainty over the future home of the school. First plans were announced to build a new school near Provo College in west Provo. Then Meridian bought a lot on 2000 South in Orem.
With a weakening economy, the board of directors felt enough was enough. The board set a May 8 deadline to raise $293,000, the cost of completing this school year.
Or the school will shut its doors.
"We're not going to borrow anything from next year," board vice chairman Sean Warnick said. "We'll finish this year cold, so next year is on a very secure and stable financial footing."
That footing looks even brighter because to balance a tightened proposed budget for next year would required 193 students. So far, 201 have enrolled.
If there is a next year, it will happen somewhere new. Meridian would move from its traditional home on 900 East in Provo to what is now the Liahona Preparatory Academy across the street from Orem High School.
Founded in 1989 by Brigham Young University professors, Meridian was an experiment. Could a private school provide a better education for the same amount that public schools spend per pupil, with tuition costs far below those of most private schools?
Hundreds of students like David say it's been a success.
But does the Utah Valley education market still value this extra choice?
So far, the response has been encouraging. Warnick said more than $100,000 has been pledged. Those interested in donating can call 374-5480. If the bid fails, donations will be returned.
So far, donations range from large ones to the very small like David's. When he said he'd give all his money, his sister said she felt bad he no longer had any.
"Don't worry," he said. "I'll have Meridian."
Utah County Bureau Chief Tad Walch lives with his wife and five children in Provo, their home for the past 21 years. Please e-mail twalch@desnews.com.
Recent comments
What a wonderful school this is. Many people look at private schools...
Keri Wahl (teacher) | April 26, 2008 at 12:10 p.m.
The main reason vouchers were pushed last year was to help with enrollment...
Voucher killer | April 26, 2008 at 9:21 a.m.
