Fr. Leon M. Olszamowski, s.m., head of school: 248-373-5300, lolszamowski@ndpma.org
Andrew Guest, vice president for advancement: 248-373-2171, ext. 1, aguest@ndpma.org
Mike Kelly, director of marketing: 248-373-2171, ext. 4, mike@group-ex.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 26, 2014
Pontiac Notre Dame completes acquisition of property and assets from the Archdiocese of Detroit
PONTIAC, Mich. — Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, a private, Catholic school for students in junior kindergarten through 12th grade, announced today that it has closed on the purchase of property, buildings and other assets from the Archdiocese of Detroit.
“This ownership change is intended to ensure the continuation of Catholic education and the Marist Fathers and Brothers' apostolic mission at the school for future generations of southeast Michigan families,” NDPMA Head of School Fr. Leon M. Olszamowski, s.m., said.
As a result of the transaction, ownership of the property, buildings and assets of the school has been transferred from the AOD to a Michigan non-profit, tax-exempt educational corporation called Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, which will be governed by the school's Board of Trustees. The Catholic sponsorship and educational-program management by the Marist Fathers continue at the school as before. All academic, athletic, art and other programs as well as the school’s administration, faculty and staff also continue without change.
Included in the 64-acre acquisition are the athletic fields and the buildings that house the school's middle and upper divisions, the Jim Grimaldi Athletic Center, Beverly Gifford Music Center and Betty Wroubel Athletic Performance Center (153,000 sq. ft. total building space). Not included in the AOD transaction are 20 acres of land already owned by the Marist Fathers of Detroit, Inc., which is being gifted to the new non-profit corporation. On these 20 acres are located the tennis courts, lower-division building and advancement offices (20,000 sq. ft. total building space). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The reorganization coincides with other initiatives by the Marists in the United States and is expected to be a model for other Catholic elementary and secondary schools whose Catholic mission and identity are overseen by religious orders and congregations.
"This is a great accomplishment indeed with real vision for a different future that is coming to the church," Fr. Timothy G. Keating, s.m., provincial of the U.S. Province of the Society of Mary (Marists), said. "We will continue to relish our relationship with Notre Dame all through this new corporate structure."
Olszamowski said the agreement was a critical part of the school's strategic plan developed and released two years ago by the Board of Trustees. "It is a major step forward that will help us achieve our key initiatives and further strengthen an already strong academic institution."
About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
With a current enrollment of more than 1,130, Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division includes students in grades nine through 12 and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in junior kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.