Deseret Academy has permanently closed, about a month after its owners filed for personal bankruptcy protection and parents reportedly collected $92,000 to save the school.
"It is with great regret that we announce the closing of Deseret Academy. The founders and parents have been working diligently with private businessmen from the community to help us understand the overall condition of the financial affairs and operating model of Deseret Academy," founders Patti and Michael Adams said in an e-mail to the Deseret Morning News.
"It was hoped that with a complete restructuring that the academy could be transitioned to a safe operating financial model. All facets of the business were examined and a list of requirements defined which would serve as the 'go, no go' indicators for continuation of the academy. However, it has been determined that these requirements cannot be met in a short amount of time."
The couple also thanked parents for "valiant efforts to maintain a place that has become a haven for so many students" and their love and support.
A teacher, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the school never opened after the Thanksgiving break.
Deseret Academy, which had been operating out of a building at approximately 3200 S. Highland Drive, espouses teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but is not sponsored by or officially affiliated with the church.
Earlier this month, parents told the Deseret Morning News the school would close Nov. 8 because of financial difficulties. To try to save the school, parents said they committed to donating more than $92,000 in a Nov. 5 meeting.
The same day, the couple filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection, according to court records.
The private school, operating since 1998, has been hit with recent lawsuits.
In December 2003, founders were ordered to pay Town and Country Home Furnishings $37,428 because of unpaid rent.
A year ago, Granite School District sued for $24,000 in unpaid rent at the former Holladay Elementary, plus $7,000 in overdue utility bills.
Deseret Academy's Web site states a partner school, "Karl G. Maeser Academy," will open in Utah County in fall 2005. But the Adamses say they have abandoned that plan.
"However, we will probably always be involved in finding ways to improve education in Utah and throughout the world," they said in an e-mail message.
E-mail: jtcook@desnews.com