John Rex Charter School Launches Capital Campaign to Renovate Historic Building
Additional $400,000 needed to convert McAlpine Center into educational space
OKLAHOMA CITY (June 1, 2020) —John Rex Charter School (JRCS) has launched a capital campaign to complete renovations of the historic McAlpine Center.
The McAlpine Center, located one block from the school’s main building, will become a new learning space for an expanding student body and help the school fulfill educational needs downtown.
School leaders plan to raise $400,000 by August 1. To date, $825,000 of the $1.2 million project cost has been raised through a federal grant, support from the Inasmuch Foundation and donations from the family of Mr. John Rex.
“We’re bursting at the seams, and we need more space to accommodate the influx of students in downtown Oklahoma City,” said Heather Zacarias, interim superintendent and director of elementary education. “Rather than constructing a brand-new building, we’re refurbishing an older facility to help improve our community. Long-time donors have already helped us get to this point, and we’re calling on our neighbors, partners and school community to help get us over the finish line.”
In addition to primarily serving fifth through eighth grade students, the McAlpine Center will benefit all grade levels, offering arts and music classrooms, as well as outdoor space.
“We continue to support downtown Oklahoma City’s growing population and provide a quality education to children of all backgrounds, which we believe should involve studying the arts and music,” Zacarias said. “Families are moving downtown because of the opportunities at John Rex, and the McAlpine Center will allow us to instill a love of learning in even more children.”
Sponsorship levels range from $150 to $50,000. Interested individuals and organizations can learn more by visiting JohnRexSchool.org/Expansion.
About John Rex Charter School
John Rex Charter School offers a one-of-a-kind, quality education to economically and racially diverse students. The school is strategically placed in downtown Oklahoma City to provide teachers and students easy access to government, legal and cultural opportunities. The campus’ proximity to the Civic Center Music Hall, the Myriad Botanical Gardens and City Hall gives students walking access to multiple learning experiences. For more information, visit johnrexschool.org.
