Capital campaign formed for proposed new high school

Talk about it

Another step has been taken in the effort to build a new high school in Alexandria.

At Monday night’s Alexandria School District 206 board meeting, Bruce and Kathleen Pohlig were named co-chairs of a capital campaign to raise money in private donations in support of the proposed high school project.

The couple, who are long-time Alexandria residents, spoke before school board members at Monday’s meeting.

Bruce told board members that he and Kathleen are honored to serve as the co-chairs of the campaign and that the goal is to raise $12 million in private donations from companies, foundations and individuals for the high school complex, which will house academics, arts and athletics.

The capital campaign is a joint effort between the Alexandria School District 206 Board of Education and the Alexandria Public Schools Education Foundation, which represents a unique and innovative public-private partnership to build the new school, according to school officials.

Funds raised through the capital campaign will reduce the tax impact for district residents.

Joining the Pohligs on the steering committee of the capital campaign are Brent and Sally Smith and Mark and Carmon Watkins, according to Bruce and Kathleen.

Bruce noted at the meeting that the six members of the steering committee have already pledged a total of $1.4 million over three years, which school leaders said is a great start to the capital campaign.

While presenting information to the school board members, Bruce noted that he and Kathleen took a two-hour behind-the-scenes tour of the current high school.

“The walls are sound and that was about it,” said Bruce. “It’s not worthy of renovations. Plus, the renovations today would be too costly.”

School Board Chair Dean Anderson noted in a news release that the Pohligs have been involved in the Alexandria community for many years.

“Having two dynamic, enthusiastic people who share a belief and understanding of the potential a new high school project would bring to this community is very exciting and I know with their leadership, this campaign will be successful,” said Anderson.

ABOUT THE POHLIGS

Kathleen Pohlig is a 1966 graduate of Jefferson High School, has served on the school board and also on the Education Foundation Board of Directors. She currently owns Cherry Street Books in downtown Alexandria.

Bruce Pohlig was the president/owner of Continental Bridge in Carlos for 25 years, has been involved in several other business adventures and served on the Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission Board of Directors.

The Pohligs had three children graduate from District 206 and currently have three grandchildren enrolled in School District 206 schools.

“Kathleen and I feel this project is the grandest and broadest-reaching community project to surface in the 35 years we have lived here,” said Bruce.

Kathleen added, “We are very privileged to be a part of the process.”

Tags: local news, capital campaign, school district 206, news, school, pohlig, money