Pensacola's Escambia Christian School set to close in March

Описание: ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. -- WEAR News is following up on the coverage of Escambia Christian School (ECS). A former student is now pushing for the school to stay open through the end of the year.

The private school announced it's closing mid-semester. Denie Parrish says she believes the ECS community has what it takes to rally around students to keep them open through the end of the year.

Parrish's biggest concerns, aside from the children, are ensuring the money is going to the right place.

"It's heartbreaking is what it is," Parrish said. "It's a cornerstone of my life. It's what made me who I am today."

Parrish attended Escambia Christian School from 1975 to 1984. She says if the school is facing financial hardship, she understands. But says parents should have been told sooner.

"What I don't agree with is that we're putting these children out of school in the last quarter of school," said Parrish.

Earlier this week, the principal of the school spoke with WEAR News over the phone, sharing concerns about a lack of communication between the board of directors and school staff.

This week, Parrish went to the school unannounced, searching for her own answers.

"I spoke with the principal yesterday for a little over two hours," Parrish said. "I was informed they've already received fourth quarter funding, but the property has been appraised to be put up for sale. It was kind of hidden from everybody but these children don't need to be uprooted in their last quarter of school."

-WEAR: "She told me the board hasn't been involved since COVID."

-Parrish: "That's what she told me as well... and that the board doesn't attend graduations or really have much to do in regards to what's going on at the school, only basically final decisions."

-WEAR: "What're your thoughts on that?"

Parrish: "I don't agree with it. If you choose to be on a board of directors for a school or anywhere you're doing that out of passion, compassion and leadership."

Records show the school is listed as the property owner. The Escambia County property appraiser says there’s been no recent activity there. WEAR News have not had luck reaching the board either.

This is not the first time WEAR News has covered concerns of transparency at the school. In 2021, a mother called the newsroom after an investigation was launched after her son was reportedly abused by another student.

"I just think all the facts need to be laid out," the mother said. "I think the board needs to be honest and transparent. There needs to be transparency in all of this."

Despite the closure expected in just one month, Parrish is making one final push to keep her beloved school open.

"I would like if the community would help me help the school," said Parrish. "I would like to find a way to allow these children to stay until the end of the school year."

"If a board of a small private school, like this, where there's only three board members, isn't willing to step up to the plate and help out the school then they don't need to be on the board," she said. "Because the board is there to help the school and these children."

WEAR News asked the school for clarification on their accreditation status as well as claims of a property sale. There's still been no luck in getting those answers.

READ MORE: https://weartv.com/news/local/escambi...

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