Jackson Academy announced Friday evening at the first Raider football game that $3.62 million has been pledged in the school’s capital campaign to initiate campus and academic improvements. With a campaign goal of $4.45 million and a vision goal of $6.45 million, the campaign will enable JA to advance programming and facilities in ways that reflect the dynamic needs of education for current and future generations.
Campaign co-chairs Janna and Will Lampton, a 2003 JA graduate; Geri Beth and Allen Smith; and other capital campaign committee members took part in a presentation on the field. Pat and Peter Jernberg, JA’s president emeritus, serve as JA’s honorary campaign chairs.
Feedback from the JA community, along with direction from the education development partner, the JFSmith Group, guided the school’s prioritization of the two-phase plan. A video was shown at halftime detailing the entire master plan, including the two phases of the current campaign. This fall, Dean and Dean/Associates Architects, P.A. will complete working drawings and final plans for the phase that includes new Upper School science and lab facilities and renovation of existing labs.
“Our mission at Jackson Academy challenges us to inspire and equip each student to lead a life of purpose and significance,” said Scott Pedigo, JA Board of Trustees president from 2019 to 2021. “This capital campaign helps ensure that JA fulfills that mission at every level of our school for years to come.”
Phase I will provide for the construction of new Upper School science and lab facilities and renovation of existing labs, allowing for expanded programming and enrollment. Reaching the Phase II vision goal of $6.45 million will enable JA to complete lab renovations throughout campus, create classroom space, and centralize divisional offices, counseling, and testing spaces. New construction will open up existing facilities so that signature programming, such as Raider Network broadcasting and SOAR Outdoor, can shift into renovated facilities.
Within JA’s new master plan vision, if additional funds are raised beyond these goals, a new competition gymnasium will be added. This future addition would create a multipurpose student center that faces JA’s main entrance. The new building and renovated areas would feature flexible indoor and outdoor spaces designed for lectures, activities, and events. The entire master plan is designed to give JA’s north campus at the school’s main entrance off Ridgewood Road a more cohesive feel.
“Support for the campaign has been significant, and we are so thankful for the commitments and pledges thus far,” commented Chairman of the Board of Trustees Robert Hederman. “We will continue to solicit donations for the campaign until we reach our goal.”
