Just in time for the winter sports season, students at Bishop Chatard will see the completion of a $4.3 million construction project that will afford them a brand new auxiliary gym and a number of other facility improvements.

The construction of the gym, which broke ground last fall but was halted due to permit issues, will be completed by Oct. 27, 2007. The project is being undertaken by Shiel Shexton Construction of Indianapolis.

According to Kelly Lucas, Director of Communications and Special Events, Bishop Chatard High School has long since had more athletic teams than the current facility was equipped to handle. Gym space was at a premium, forcing teams to start practice as early as 6 a.m. or as late as 6 p.m.

"This [gym] will expand our abilities to have kids practice at reasonable time," Lucas said.

The new auxiliary gym is not a game facility, but a practice center for student athletes and a place to hold gym classes. The auxiliary gym will provide space for a new fitness and sports medicine center.

The renovation plans came to fruition as a result of a proposal submitted to the area Board of Regents that outlined ideal facility improvements to take place over the next five to ten years, explained Bishop Chatard President Bill Sahm.

After a feasibility study was conducted that determined the necessary funding could potentially be attained, school administrators developed a fundraising program aptly titled 'Foundation for Faith.' Chatard officials reached out to alumni, parents and past parents of the North Deanery parishes for donations.

"We went out to all of our constituencies and asked for their assistance," said Sahm.

Despite their best efforts, Foundation for Faith came up short of fundraising goals. The remaining balance of the necessary $4.3 million was funded by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.

Bishop Chatard High School embarked on a number of side projects as a result of the Foundation for Faith and Archdiocese funding. Significant improvements are being made to Chatard's current gym which also serves as the school's auditorium. Performing arts students will enjoy a new stage, lighting and sound systems.

"We will be able to have a true auditorium environment for graduation and other special events," said Sahm.

The renovation plans also include an elevator for handicapped accessibility to all five floors, air-conditioning on the third floor, improvements to the school cafeteria and a remodeling of the main lobby and front office. Full multimedia capabilities were added to each classroom, including DVD, Powerpoint, and internet access.

Sahm noted that possible future plans for Chatard include the construction of new biology and chemistry labs, air-conditioning for second floor classrooms and the renovation of business offices in the St. Benedict center.

"The physical and technological improvements are important, but only in so much as they support the ministry to out students, which is our priority," Sahm concluded. "A year from now, people will forget all of the improvements - what's really going to last is the quality of education for our students at Bishop Chatard High School."