School predicts high hopes for new master plan

Written by Kate Froehlich, Executive Editor

As a former cheerleader, the idea of cheering football games in a stadium with real turf and lights is enthralling. As a Christian, I would love to worship in a beautiful and open chapel. As a reporter who spends hours interviewing President Richard O’Hara and Principal Paul Barker, a central administration location would be convenient.

However, the master plan won’t affect current students. It’s for our children. It’s for the next generation of students.

Potential students may be overlooking our school because local public schools offer more up to date facilities, from Bel Air to Patterson Mill to North Harford. Nearly thirteen grand a year is hard to swing, especially if the free schools down the road offer brand new campuses.

We need this change. We’re in a 1964 building, even with the Fine Arts wing addition and gym updates. The school is simply not suited for 21st century education, especially with the addition of the laptops.

The clearest need is the science labs. Students that took chemistry and biology can attest to the poor condition the labs are in for in-depth study.

In addition, with an entire school using laptops, it is a necessity to have an updated media center, by offering more areas for small groups to gather and study, as well as more areas for students to take their laptops and work.

Honestly, the only element missing in the plan is giving the various student publications more than well-lit closets to work in.

But I digress.

If you’re waxing nostalgic about the glory days of campus, look around. The creators of the master plan worked hard to maintain traditions. The chapel will have the same shape, albeit in a more vertical form. The plan is not just change for the sake of it—there are central themes and goals.

For those whining about how much more it’s going to cost to attend John Carroll, here’s some news for you: no one would logically kick tuition up thousands of dollars to fund this. The Board of Trustees will need monetary gifts, as well as other possible solutions, from bonds to borrowing. Hopefully, we will go the way of Calvert Hall or Mt. St. Joseph’s, which see whole facilities donated. Unfortunately, I am not optimistic about the chance of this being completed, even though, according to trustee emeritus Gus Brown, the results from the Sheridan Group were “positive” about the possibility of raising the funds. Hopefully at least some of the changes in the plan will be carried out.

However, to accomplish any of this, those connected with the school with the financial means to donate must. I’m looking at you, alums. I cannot be the only person that had a fantastic experience at John Carroll and wants to allow others to have the same experience. An updated facility will bring more potential students to John Carroll and enhance their experience here.  

Although the school is not currently asking for master plan contributions, the future doesn’t look particularly promising—six percent of alums donate back to JC, compared with other independent schools in Maryland which, on average, receive donations from 17 percent of alums.

Besides, the master plan even has elements made for alums. The outdoor alumni hall of fame and multiple gathering areas will hopefully be created to bring people back to the school. The chapel will be slightly larger and well-lit, perfect for a wedding ceremony, and there will be a 50 percent increase in parking, which can be used to fit more visitors on campus.

You know what, I promise this: if I can ever offer a significant gift to the school, I will contribute it the capital campaign to continue to modernize John Carroll in the future.

With the condition that they update the journalism facilities, of course.

Kate Froehlich can be reached for comment at kfroehlich@jcpatriot.com