Ramirez Family Foundation rallying support for St. Augustine Prep Academy at 6th and Harrison
An ambitious project and gift from Puerto Rican immigrants to Milwaukee's southside.
It is a grand vision for the concrete lot at 6th and Harrison in Milwaukee.
The Ramirez Family foundation committed $50 million for a new school, the St. Augustine Preparatory Academy.
On Monday, they hosted the community to a special announcement that included a special presentation by Latino Strings.
Free soccer balls were also handed out to the kids.
\"I'm a student at Cardinal Stritch University and I'm here to support the school because I lived on the southside,\" Eduardo Diaz told CBS 58 News. \"I'm still very involved. And it's really important that you concentrate on school, but sports as well.\"
In fact athletics is a key component of the overall school philosophy.
That's what creating the challenge.
The area has already been zoned for classrooms but to developed the athletic facilities they envision that would require special permission.
\"To do that we need some basic rezoning and evacuation of the streets,\" explained Austin Ramirez, CEO Husco International. \"I think you look around and I think it makes great sense.But nothing's ever easy. So there are some political road bumps that we hope are just minor road bumps in the longer story of St. Augustine Prep.\"
So this is the first of what they anticipate will be many chapters. And a real lesson on if community support will build to the extent that it is the neighborhood that influences those in power.
\"We're not about destroying anyone,\" said Gus Ramirez. \"We're about creating choices in the community so your children have the same opportunities that my children had.\"
The school would be pre-k through 12th grade.
The vision is to have it be non-denominational Christian.
No decision yet on if it will be charter or voucher.
That would determine if the religious instruction would be part of the curriculum or something that's done before and after normal school hours.