Superintendent Vern Moore Approved Appleseed Partnership in June 2004
"We have a viable plan to save U. City High School and the school district does not. When we succeed, it will mean a tax break..."
Major
Donors have been identified that can provide $20 million or more
in permanent funding. Independent UCHS Foundation being created.
- Supt. & Board Member Emails Demonstrating Project Coordination Released
- Capital Campaign Continues
March 30, 2007 - This
project was originally encouraged by former University City Superintendent
Dr. Vern Moore in 2004, with the understanding that all planning expenses
and associated risks would be borne 100% by Project Appleseed
and our dedicated donors. Under this concept a newly created
University City High School Foundation would own and operate
the facility with 100% of the profits going to renovate University
City High School.
Until James Victory became Superintendent, Project Appleseed provided Dr. Vern Moore and school board members with frequent updates. Dr. Victory chose not to meet with Project Appleseed, and provide an opportunity for public presentation to the school board in October of 2005.
"I am saddened by this unfair attack in Pride. We have a viable plan to save U. City High School and the school district does not. When we succeed, it will mean a tax break and an extraordinary, revenue producing, recreation facility for this community. We have worked hard and honestly for U. City taxpayers since 1991 and we will continue to do so," said Kevin Walker.
Project Appleseed has
several hundred U. City donors and works independently of the
school district in the same way Forest Park Forever works
for the improvement of Forest Park. Forest Park Forever is not
run or controlled by the City of St. Louis, the Mayor,
or the Board of Alderman. Project Appleseed created a relationship
that works the same way for University City High School.
"In Vern Moore's last year as superintendent he encouraged this partnership. In Victory's last year as superintendent he tried to kill it. Has the School District of University City decided that yes, you can kick a gift horse in the mouth?" said Mr. Walker.
No Child Left Behind gives parents the right to organize and improve their schools and the First Amendment gives Project Appleseed members, donors, and supporters the right to free speech. In a free society, individuals and organizations are free to associate in any way they wish, to speak as they wish, and to spend their money as they wish, provided only that in the process they respect the rights of others to do the same.
The total cost for creating a plan to build Lion Heart Center at University High School is expected to be approximately $220,000.00. Project Appleseed's capital campaign for U. City High School has taken in a total of $34,000.00 in the exploratory phase. Project Appleseed has spent approx. $150,000.00 of time, effort, and materials on project expenses. This is for services that Project Appleseed provided to the high school project but received no compensation. The expenses and income are reflected in our tax filings with the IRS and GuideStar. A complete copy of our plan along with the planning budget, expenses, and a complete list of donors has been available on-line for two years.
projectappleseed.org/ucity.html THE UNIVERSITY CITY CAMPAIGN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT projectappleseed.org THE NATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
PACE/Project Appleseed U. City 520 Melville Avenue University City, Missouri 63130-4506 Fax: 314-725-2319