19-05-2025
IHC Schools plans to consolidate to one building
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – The Immaculate Heart Central School District will be looking to put all of its students under one roof.
The school district recently announced its plans to have students from the pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in the same building. According to plans from the district, all students will be at the main campus located 1316 Ives Street in Watertown.
IHC's Richards, Charlebois named 2024 'Boots' Gaffney Award winners
The school currently houses over 150 elementary school students on a building located at 122 Winthrop Street. The move would take hold for the 2025-26 academic year.
IHC Principal Daniel Charlebois said the moved has been in the offing for a while. He said that the cost of running two campuses is more expensive, but there's also an educational component to the move.
'One of the reasons for consolidation is collaboration with our educators,' Charlebois said. 'The best form of collaboration is in person.'
Plans from the district will have the pre-K through fourth grade on the first floor while grades five through 12 will be on the second floor.
The school will have to make some renovations to prepare for the transition. According to school officials, a target of $500,000 is hoping to be raised via the One Faith, One Family, One School Consolidation Fundraising
Here are some of the items that the fundraising project looks to take care of:
Remodeling two restrooms and adding one bathroom
Playground and Recess Area
Abatement and replacement of floor tiles
Removal of lockers and installation of cubbies
New blinds in classrooms
Painting or replacement of ceiling tiles
Interior and exterior painting
Dividing wall for the gym
Roof repairs
Repairs and replacement of windows
Charlebois said the public has given good feedback regarding the consolidation. There have been informational nights and community members were surveyed on the move.
Another positive for the move is that high school kids might be able to guide the youngsters along. There have been programs like reading buddies where high schoolers would read stories to elementary kids. However, the students would have to be transported between the two campuses.
The elementary kids look up to them (the high schoolers) and think the world of them,' Charlebois said. This move will be so impactful.'
For more information on the project, visit the campaign initiative page here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
