Fearing an end of funds, Girard College trustees again seek relief from founder’s will

The trustees of a legendary Philadelphia institution are renewing their fight to change how the school operates. 

Girard College spokesman Kevin Feeley says the board of trustees is worried that the estate left by Stephen Girard is going to run dry in 25 years.

So they want to suspend the boarding aspect of the private school for children of single parents. The trustees are also moving to end the high school, at least for now, Feeley said.

“The board continues to understand and be challenged by the fact that the financial challenges that Girard is facing right now haven’t gone away and need to be addressed,” he said. “And so the board is attempting to file this motion for reconsideration to see if there is a way to change the outcome in that case.”

Last month a judge rejected the board’s proposed changes, saying keeping Girard College as a boarding school, including high school grades, is vital to Stephen Girard’s vision.

Feeley says the board is now asking for the court to reconsider that ruling. Girard, a banker and one of the wealthiest men in the United States, died in 1831.

Feeley says the board is now asking for the court to reconsider that ruling.