Bronx community celebrates major victory as Attorney General Letitia James announces Preston High School will remain open for years to come
Preston High School, a cornerstone of the Bronx community for over 75 years, will remain open for decades to come, thanks to an agreement brokered by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The deal ensures that the all-girls Catholic school, which faced the threat of closure due to financial hardships, will continue educating generations of young women in the Bronx.
The agreement was reached between the Sisters of the Divine Compassion, who have owned the Preston High School property since 1947; Preston High School leadership; and the Bally’s Foundation of North America, a charitable nonprofit organization. Under the terms, the Bally’s Foundation has purchased the property from the Sisters and will lease it to Preston High School for just $1 per year over the next 25 years. Preston will also have the option to renew the lease in five-year increments thereafter.
“Preston High School is a pillar of the Bronx community that has educated generations of young women and today I am proud to announce that the school will stay open for years to come,” said Attorney General James. “I want to thank all the students, teachers, parents, alumni, and elected officials who submitted testimony to my office and advocated to keep the school open. Today’s announcement would not have been possible without their relentless advocacy and leadership. Preston High School raises young women to become strong leaders, and I am thrilled that many more generations will benefit from this treasured school.”
A Unified Effort to Save Preston High School
Preston High School, Bronx NY
The journey to secure Preston High School’s future began earlier this year when the Sisters of the Divine Compassion announced plans to sell the property and close the school after the 2025 academic year. The decision sparked immediate community action and widespread advocacy.
“From the very beginning, when families and community members voiced their concerns about the possible closure of Preston High School, I made it a priority to listen and support them,” said Senator Nathalia Fernandez. “I’m truly grateful that Attorney General Letitia James took our concerns seriously and acted swiftly, resulting in an agreement to keep Preston open for years to come.”
Assemblymember Michael Benedetto echoed this sentiment, stating, “I’m thrilled at the news that an agreement has been reached to keep Preston High School open. This is a tremendous victory for the students, families, and the entire Throggs Neck community. I want to sincerely thank Attorney General Letitia James and her team for their steadfast commitment to protecting our schools and standing with Preston students during this critical moment.”
City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farias, a proud Preston alumna, highlighted the significance of the effort. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Attorney General Letitia James for her swift and thoughtful action in helping to prevent Preston’s abrupt closure,” said Farias. “Her open communication, leadership, and commitment to keeping all parties at the table were instrumental in reaching this critical turning point. We didn’t just preserve a beloved institution – we protected a legacy.”
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson emphasized the broader impact of the agreement. “At a time when we’ve seen the heartbreaking closure of several Catholic schools in our borough and across New York City, this outcome is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together,” said Gibson. “Our collective voices made this happen. This is more than just a win for Preston — it’s a win for the Bronx and for every young person who dreams of a bright future.”
Details of the Agreement
The Bally’s Foundation purchased the Preston High School property for $8.5 million. In addition to the $1 per year lease, the agreement includes critical safeguards for Preston’s long-term stability. Preston High School will have the option to renew the lease at the end of the 25-year term in five-year intervals, and the school retains a right of first refusal if Bally’s ever seeks to sell the property.
Furthermore, Bally’s Foundation has committed up to $1 million for capital improvements at the school and will cover up to $600,000 in legal and closing costs related to the transaction.
The Sisters of the Divine Compassion have also agreed to establish independent governance of Preston High School by:
- Assisting in establishing Preston as an independent Catholic school acceptable to the Archdiocese of New York;
- Helping form an independent board of trustees by appointing trustees not affiliated with the Sisters or Preston High School, with OAG approval;
- Relinquishing all but one seat on the board of trustees immediately, and eventually relinquishing their final seat once independence is complete.
A Community-Driven Success
Attorney General James credited the success to the collaboration between the Sisters of the Divine Compassion, the Bally’s Foundation, Preston High School leadership, and the community members who passionately advocated for the school.
This resolution was handled by Assistant Attorney General Peggy Farber, Assistant Attorney General William Wang, and Section Chief Emily Stern of the Charities Bureau, with oversight by Deputy Bureau Chief Karin Kunstler Goldman and Bureau Chief James Sheehan. The Charities Bureau operates under the Division for Social Justice, led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.
The public hearing that galvanized support for Preston’s future was organized and led by the Operations and Intergovernmental Affairs teams within the Attorney General’s Executive Division, with technical support from the Information Technology Bureau.
As a result of their collective efforts, Preston High School not only remains open but is now positioned for a secure and vibrant future, continuing its tradition of excellence for the Bronx and beyond.
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