The Sussex Cornerstone Campaign: Building a Future for Children and Community is a multi-year capital campaign achieving a vision for the future of Sussex School.
The Sussex Cornerstone Campaign will be accomplished in three phases:
- Phase I will include the construction of a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building with five classrooms and an extension of our central campus courtyard.
- Phase II will incorporate the construction of a state-of-the-art science lab.
- Phase III will expand the auditorium-gym and restore the historic Zap building.
Why Now?
To ensure our growth and sustainability as an educational leader, we developed a comprehensive and innovative plan for expanding our school. A major piece of this expansion involves increasing the class size of our younger grades, while maintaining small student-to-teacher ratios, to foster a more socially and academically diverse learning environment. Growth in the student body, along with a fundamental need to maintain a cutting-edge curriculum, requires that we reshape and redesign outdated educational facilities and respond to emerging needs.
The Future
Our school’s commitment to experiential learning and creative thinking is more critical than ever in this rapidly changing world. Through a Sussex education, our students are equipped to flourish as productive members of society. By effectively planning for our future, we are investing in an unforgettable and meaningful educational experience with significant positive outcomes for our students and society.
History of Major Capital Campaign Efforts at Sussex School
Over the last four decades, many families have responded to the changing needs of this school by making significant contributions to a number of different projects.
• Sussex initially operated out of two buildings at 202 and 216 West Sussex Street. The property belonged to Don and Bente Winston, who in 1979 donated the buildings to the school.
• In 1979, Sussex School purchased the existing property on 1800 South 2nd Street West and moved from the original site in January of 1980.
• In 1981, major remodeling took place in the current Zip building, adding a classroom between the old caretaker house and a three-car garage that was transformed into a mini-gym. At the same time, the Zap basement was turned into a pottery studio and
photo lab.
• In 1985, a much-needed new classroom was added on the east side of the Zap building.
• In 1988, the community raised funds to build an auditorium named in honor of Mrs. Elizabeth Winston of Minneapolis, Minnesota, who was one of the school’s major benefactors.
• In 1989, a new classroom was added on the west side of the Zip Building.
• In 2002–2003, a family approached the school asking what Sussex needed. The answer was space. Generous gifts followed, along with a bequest to start the largest capital campaign to date. The community of parents, grandparents and alumni families worked together to raise $500,000 to construct two new buildings with three classrooms, an attractive courtyard connecting the campus, a basketball court, the pond area and a new parking lot with drop-off zone.
• In 2009, a small remodeling job was undertaken in the Zip Building to temporarily accommodate larger classes of older students. Each of these building projects was developed with integrity, vision, collaboration and generosity.
The Sussex Ways to Give
There are numerous ways to invest
in The Sussex Cornerstone Campaign. We encourage all members of the Sussex community to give: past students, parents, alumni parents, extended family members and other friends. Sussex School is leading this campaign with non-restricted/non-endowment funds in excess of $200,000. We have also received a matching gift of $100,000 from an anonymous Sussex family.
Cash Gifts
Gifts of cash may be deducted from your taxable income to the extent allowable by law in the year gifts are made.
Pledges
A pledge allows the donor to consider a larger investment that is payable over a period of months or years.
Matching Gifts
Many corporations offer matching gift programs to increase an individual’s contribution to his or her favorite charity. Please check with your employer to maximize your gift.
Stocks and Securities
Giving appreciated assets to Sussex School can offer significant tax savings to the donor. Stocks are credited at the mean fair market value on the day security is gifted and can be transferred directly to Sussex School.
In-Kind
Donated materials and services are valuable gifts. Deductions are equal to the full market value of materials or services provided.
Planned Gifts
Planned gifts such as a charitable gift annuity, lead trusts or bequests may be given to the school’s endowment, and may receive significant tax credits depending on a variety of circumstances. Please contact Sussex if you are considering a planned gift.
Donor Counsel
Donors are advised to consult their legal or financial counsel before making a gift. Such counsel can help you make the largest possible gift to The Sussex Cornerstone Campaign at the least possible expense.
Please contact Sussex School for more information or if you have questions regarding a gift.
The mission of Sussex School is to provide a challenging, progressive curriculum in a nurturing environment so that students can become confident, enthusiastic learners and caring participants in their local and global communities.