In a decisive move to preserve educational opportunities in the Bronx, Attorney General Letitia James announced a deal to keep the cherished Preston High School open. The agreement, reached through collaboration among multiple stakeholders, secures the continued operation of the all-girls Catholic school for at least the next 25 years. According to the Office of the Attorney General, the Bally’s Foundation will buy the school's property and lease it back for a symbolic $1 a year, with provisions for lease renewal and potential school ownership.
In late February, the Sisters of the Divine Compassion, who have owned the school's property since 1947, announced their intention to close Preston High School at the end of the 2025 academic year due to financial strains. This spurred a public hearing on April 8, hosted by Attorney General James, to discuss the impact of the closure with the community. The $8.5 million purchase by the Bally's Foundation sprung from these urgent deliberations, where testimony was heard from distressed students, parents, alumni, and community members.
"Preston High School is a pillar of the Bronx community that has educated generations of young women and today I am proud to announce that the school will stay open for years to come," Attorney General James stated in a clear reaffirmation of her commitment to the school's future. Senator Nathalia Fernandez expressed profound gratitude towards Attorney General James for her responsive approach that honored the voices of those affected by the potential closure, in a statement obtained by the Office of the Attorney General.
The agreement includes a minimal lease, along with a commitment from Bally's Foundation to invest up to $1 million in capital improvements and cover legal and closing costs up to $600,000. This contribution is intended to support the school's infrastructure. Elected officials, including Assemblymember Michael Benedetto and Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, have recognized the deal as a positive outcome for the community and an example of successful advocacy despite initial concerns.
The Sisters of the Divine Compassion have also agreed to steps that will lead to independent governance for the school. This includes collaborating with Preston High School to establish an independent board of trustees, to which, with OAG approval, members not affiliated with either the Sisters or the school will be appointed. These key changes are expected to strengthen Preston's autonomy in the future. Information about the agreement and the individuals involved in securing this important resolution is available in the Attorney General's official press release.
