St. Edwards Secondary School
@ May Park
About Us
Introduction
In January of 2022, St. Edwards Secondary School launched its first comprehensive institutional goal-setting initiative in decades, known as the Joint Chapter Consolidated Modernization Project (JCCMP). This landmark effort reflects a unified commitment by the Board of Trustees and the May Park Edwardians Association Chapters to reimagine and restore our Alma Mater for present and future generations.
The JCCMP framework will be presented to the Board of Trustees for approval by the end of Spring 2026. Under this initiative, Officers of the May Park Edwardians Association Chapters are charged with developing a shared vision and a strategic five-year plan focused on the full rehabilitation and modernization of St. Edwards Secondary School.
Founded in 1922 by the Catholic Mission, St. Edward’s Secondary School was established to provide world-class education grounded in Catholic values within a nurturing environment that supports holistic student development. For more than a century, the school has been recognized across Sierra Leone for its rigorous academic standards, strong commitment to athletics and the arts, and its enduring emphasis on discipline, honor, ethics, and character.
Over time, however, civil conflict, rapid population growth in Freetown, declining funding, aging infrastructure, and increased competition for qualified educators placed significant strain on academic performance and student morale.
In response, Edwardians Association Chapters across the United States and throughout the global diaspora mobilized to support infrastructure rehabilitation and institutional renewal. Through coordinated fundraising, strategic planning, and collaborative partnerships, Edwardians are working together to restore St. Edwards to its rightful place as a leading center of academic excellence—revitalizing the school’s facilities, programs, and reputation within five years.
Planning for Transition
The Edwardian $Million Endowment Transition Plan
The Edwardian $Million Endowment Transition Plan defines the strategic pathway for moving the School Management from its current “as-is” state to a sustainable, future-focused “to-be” model. This plan outlines the major milestones required to advance endowment objectives while establishing long-term financial stability for St. Edwards Secondary School.
The Endowment Fund is designed with an indefinite lifecycle. Investment proceeds are reinvested to replenish capital, creating a self-sustaining funding engine that supports continuous improvement in academics, infrastructure, faculty development, and student programs.
Forecast Endowment Growth (Estimated)
Based on current trends, projected year-end balances for cash proceeds are as follows:
Financial Governance & Account Access
The Finance Team oversees endowment operations under defined governance protocols. Formal authorization processes ensure appropriate access to banking services, promote transparency, and support timely financial decision-making for designated team members.
Alumni Commitments & Engagement
Structured outreach efforts recognize alumni participation and encourage continued engagement across varying commitment levels. Communications are tailored to sustain momentum, celebrate progress, and reinforce shared responsibility for the school’s renewal.
Engagement strategies are scheduled at regular intervals to maintain accountability and connection throughout the campaign.
Investment Management
JP Morgan serves as the primary investment banking partner and custodian of operating accounts. As part of advisor selection, several leading institutions—including Vanguard, T. Rowe Price, Fidelity Investments, and Goldman Sachs—were evaluated to ensure diversified expertise and sound financial stewardship.
Strategic Alignment with School Leadership
A formal engagement is planned with His Grace, the Proprietor of St. Edwards Secondary School, and his leadership team. This meeting will align institutional priorities, confirm governance frameworks, and strengthen collaboration between alumni leadership and school administration as the Endowment initiative advances.