Our Opinion: Central Academy project is home run for the district, students

Cape Girardeau Public Schools hit a home run with the new Central Academy.

In late 2022, the district bought the former Red Star Baptist church building and property at 1301 N. Main St. for $350,000 to house the program. Those familiar with the area know that it has a history of flooding issues. Because of that, structures there have been in danger of abandonment or destruction.

The church congregation dated to 1916, with the existing building opening in 1955. A 14,000-square-foot activity center came online in 1973. In 2017, the church merged with Rock ’N’ Roll Church of Cape Girardeau to form The Church of the Rescued and Redeemed, ending its storied history in the city.

The district budgeted about $2.2 million to renovate the structure.

Renovating the facility took a little longer than expected, but officials opened the academy’s doors earlier this month to rave reviews.

Not only does the facility have much more room than was available at the district’s home office, the building is “new” to faculty and students.

Central Academy serves a unique constituency — at-risk students who perform better in a learning environment geared toward diverse learning and addressing emotional, physical and mental needs of its students. According to district officials, the academy fosters a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, while empowering learners to thrive academically and personally.

The project is a winner for a few reasons. It saved a historic downtown building from further deterioration or destruction. It was a cost-effective property for the district to acquire. The resulting facility will suit the district’s needs — read that “students’ needs” — for years to come.

Congratulations to all involved.