Study to help determine diocesan high school needs in Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph

The Catholic Key (Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph) – By Marty Denzer – April 23, 2010

KANSAS CITY — For a number of years, the population of Eastern Jackson County has been growing and is poised to continue growth. Sleepy country towns and Catholic parishes alike have boomed and expanded. As a result, the Diocese of Kansas City –St. Joseph began thinking in earnest about secondary school needs in the areas east of Interstate 435 to the eastern border of the county. The school study and pastoral plans developed by Meitler Consultants several years ago collected data that indicated the diocese should “take a closer look at Eastern Jackson County.”

Steve Hilliard, director of the Diocesan Planning Office, said the St. Louis firm O’Meara, Ferguson, Whelan and Conway Consultants has been retained to conduct interviews and surveys that will help ascertain the Catholic high school needs of the region. The collaborative study began Feb. 1 and will continue through June 1, focusing on “just Eastern Jackson County diocesan secondary school needs. All other areas, while perhaps interested or marginally affected, are not being studied, just included if they are close to the study area.” The consulting firm will present their findings to Bishop Robert Finn in early June.

An informational letter was sent to pastors, parishes and Catholic elementary school principals, past and present high school parents and prospective future families. The letter was also sent to Archbishop O’Hara and St. Mary’s high schools, which currently serve parts of the targeted area.

Families who chose public secondary schools or other private high schools, homeschooling families, grandparents and everyday moms and dads have agreed to participate, Hilliard said. “There are quite a few interested people in the area. The O’Meara group is conducting personal interviews and facilitating discussion forums along with the online survey. We look to receive a comprehensive look at the needs of the area, including demographics and history. Even some people who are skeptical of another study have agreed to participate.”

Hilliard said the goal of this study is not to be predictive; the diocese is open to what needs to be done. A two-week online survey, specific to the high school needs of Eastern Jackson County was to be ready April 26, open to all interested parties.

The interview and survey processes are intended to gather information. The consulting firm plans to meet with the school boards of St. Regis, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. John LaLande, Our Lady of the Presentation and Nativity of Mary diocesan grade schools and O’Hara and St. Mary’s high school boards. The land purchased by St. Mary High School in 2003 as a potential site for an expanded facility will be taken into consideration, also.

There is a high level of interest in this process, Hilliard said. “I am impressed with the interest and the willingness to participate. I’m not actively participating in the survey process, but I’ve made literally hundreds of phone calls all over Eastern and in Western Jackson County to parents who send their kids to St. Mary’s and O’Hara, and I’ve encountered great enthusiasm.”

Hilliard said an approach to the interview and survey responses will be formulated after the presentation to the bishop in June.

“We will have to evaluate demographic development,” he said, “both existing and potential facilities, including roads, and population shifts. What would be the best location? Will there be enough families with children in the area to support a diocesan high school, say five years from now? How will St. Mary’s and O’Hara be affected? There are a lot of aspects to look into, a lot of questions to be addressed.”