Fact Sheet
What
The Ogden School District is planning to restore and add needed new space at Ogden High School in what will ultimately be a $70 million investment (today’s dollars). As is appropriate, district bond monies will support upgrades that specifically impact the school’s functionality. However, they will not address the critical historic preservation that is so important to Ogden High School. The following historic preservation projects carry a price tag of $13 - 14 million and will ensure the school remains functional and beautiful for decades to come:
• Repair or replace, clean and/or paint interior finishes in the Auditorium
• Retrofit the Auditorium to meet current seismic codes
• Add modern features such as air conditioning, update heating and electrical systems, add new rigging, stage lighting, controls, and a sound system
• Replace exterior windows
Why
Historic Ogden High School has given much to the City of Ogden and its people—from jobs and hope in the midst of the Great Depression, to educational and vocational training, entertainment, and cultural celebrations. Its architectural features are some of the state’s most stunning examples of the Art Deco style. At over 70 years old, Ogden High School is beginning to show its age. In addition to normal wear and tear, the school also needs modernizing to address current educational, space and safety standards.
Ogden voters recently passed a bond by a resounding 67% margin, making it clear that they support the restoration of Ogden High School and want it to remain open as a public school. The district promised that if the community passed the bond, the district would begin a private fundraising campaign to mitigate some of the expense of historic preservation. With the public bond passed, now is the time to deliver on that promise.
How
To raise funds for the historic restoration, the Ogden School Foundation has launched The Ogden High School Campaign to Preserve a Community Icon, which will appeal to private organizations and individuals to make contributions over a three to five year period. An outright pledge of cash is the simplest method of giving and qualifies for a full charitalbe deduction. A three to five year pledge period has been established for The Ogden High School Campaign to Preserve a Community Icon, allowing donors to fulfill their pledges in installments.
Who
Ogden School Foundation, the fundraising arm of the Ogden School District, will lead the campaign. The foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization created to enhance educational opportunities for students, and is one of the most successful educational foundations in the state.
When
The capital campaign is currently underway and is expected to conclude in 2010.