The Fulcrum Point
In increasingly secular Western Washington, why is Catholic education growing in popularity? We'll take a closer look at some of the inspiring and innovative reasons behind this unexpected trend. In this podcast, we explore the Fulcrum Foundation's immense impact on Catholic schools in Western Washington, one of the largest school districts in our region, and its ripple effects throughout our communities. We'll examine Fulcrum's role in developing leaders, including staff, students, families, and community members.
A "fulcrum" is the tipping point of a lever. Join us as we "get to the point" of how the Fulcrum Foundation is finding new ways to leverage support for the power of Catholic education to inspire and unite communities across the Pacific Northwest.
The Fulcrum Point
Season 3 Episode 2: Building the First-Ever Catholic High School for Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and San Juan Counties
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This episode of The Fulcrum Point is all about building faith--putting a spotlight on the effort to open the first Catholic high school serving the Northern Deanery of the Archdiocese of Seattle, covering Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and San Juan Counties. Set to open in fall 2027, the school is a historic expansion of Catholic education in northwestern Washington, and a bold undertaking at a time when many Catholic schools across the country are closing or consolidating.
Host Brian Callanan speaks with Amy Hall of the Fulcrum Foundation and school board chair Bridget Rauvola about how the idea took shape, what a feasibility study revealed, and how pastors, parish leaders, volunteers, and families built momentum behind the project. Their conversations highlight a massive amount of community support, including roughly $2 million in pledges raised before the school had established its own nonprofit status.
Director of implementation Andy Remien looks ahead to the practical work of opening the school, from launching at Sacred Heart Parish Hall in Bellingham to shaping enrollment, curriculum, and a future permanent campus. The episode also examines the school’s proposed four-day week, its potential benefits for regional Catholic elementary schools, and the process of choosing a permanent name (and mascot!) for the high school.
Join host Brian Callanan in this second episode of Season 3, as The Fulcrum Point brings you a story about faith, innovation, and community commitment. This podcast is brought to you by the Fulcrum Foundation.