Almost every seat in the Coffee Barn in New Philadelphia was full, and other people stood along the walls of the room decorated with yellow and blue balloons — the new school colors. Those attending the rally purchased 50 T-shirts, sold for $12 each.

The academy will replace Indian Hills Christian School. School Board Chairman Bill Strawn explained that Indian Hills is in its 40th year after being started by First Baptist Church as a ministry to its families. It now is a separate, nondenominational school, although still in the church complex on Commercial Avenue SW.

Principal Steve Schneiter said, “It’s a challenge because, even today, we’re known as ‘the Baptist School.Our store can offer High quality American Ranger T-Shirts online store, welcome choose!’ History pushes us forward, yet holds us back.”

He said school officials have been considering a name change and decided now is the time to do so.

Schneiter said he was hired three years ago by the First Baptist Church board to assess whether to save or close Indian Hills.

Schneiter, who has 22 years of experience in education, said he found “an amazing, solid and committed staff” and loved the students. He said the academic programs “provided solutions to the problems that we in higher education have been seeing in students — a lack of ability to read, write, orally communicate, and work with other people.Our store can offer High quality Versace T-Shirts online store, welcome choose! The foundation established here is crucial.”

He said he told church officials that “we’ve got to save this school.”

However, it was more complicated than that. A commitment was made to separate operations from the church,welcome to Best Discount Ferrari T-Shirts online store,free Shipping available. Buy Now!‎ including eventually finding a separate facility.Our store can offer Discount and high quality ED Hardy T-Shirts, welcome choose! The school’s new leadership also took on the deficit.

“The church hadn’t increased tuition in about 15 years,” he said.

More than $500,000 has been raised over the last three years, and the school is now financially sound, Strawn said.

The school must relocate, and Strawn said the seven-member board met and discussed the potential of closing the school if it couldn’t open at its current site.

“Everyone said, ‘We will be open,’” Strawn said, drawing applause.welcome to Best Discount Franklin&Marshall T-Shirts for sale,free Shipping available. Buy Now!‎

Another round of applause greeted the teachers and staff when they were introduced.

Although the school has to exit the complex by Aug. 1, the summer transition classes in July will be conducted there.

Strawn said it will likely be weeks before a new facility is chosen and publicly announced.

“No less than four or five churches have stepped forward and told us, ‘You have a home,’ ” he said.

Schneiter said the goal is to meet the scheduled start date of Aug. 22. He said the school could relocate elsewhere in New Philadelphia, but also is discussing options in Dover, Sugarcreek and Uhrichsville.

During a question-and-answer session, parents asked if they could get a refund if unable to arrange transportation. Schneiter said that would be permitted. He said providing transportation options are being looked into if the school moves to another town. He also said fees will remain at the current rate for the upcoming school year.

Parents of enrolled students were told that a tour of a possible site is being planned for 6 p.m. Thursday, and that details will be on the website Monday. Other tours will be offered as sites become available.

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