The Rev. James Olson is a man of his word.
A few weeks ago, I had Rev. Olson on for an encore performance on our live Internet broadstream show, 'Live From the Newsroom.' It was just a few days after the archdiocese's blue ribbon commission released its report recommending that Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast high schools in Drexel Hill be closed.
Olson is president of Bonner-Prendie.
It was my hope that he would use our show to announce that he was formally filing an appeal of the decision.
He wasn't ready to do that yet. Rev. Olson made it clear that he did not want to get the hopes of students, staff and families up only to have to disappoint them all again.
At the end of the show, I gave it one last shot.
He told me that when he made up his mind, we would be the first to know.
He wasn't lying.
I got a call yesterdray from him, just after he left a meeting with Archbishop Charles Chaput. He was ready to announce his decision. I was only more than happy to do just that.
Minutes later, I tweeted the official confirmation that Bonner and Prendie would appeal the ruling that they be shut down. Once again my Twitter account surged.
You can read our full story here.
Alumni have already raised more than $500,000 to preserve the schools in a single, merged entity.
A group leading the effort has been rallying the troops all morning in hopes of raising a million dollars by Monday.
Olson and his team will get their audience with the archbishop and the panel Monday afternoon. The final decision rests with the archbishop, who has steadfastly indicated he would be open to changing the recommendation made by the blue ribbon panel.
For some reason, I get the distinct impression that Olson heard something in his conversation with Chaput that made him optimistic about the process.
Part of that involves a partnership with a local college.
For now, the fight goes on. Bonner and Prendie are not dead yet.
You read it here first.
Thanks, Rev. Olson.
Comments