By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
The Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School in Junction City is looking at a projected shortfall of approximately $300,000 going into the 2024-25 school year. That message was conveyed to members of the community during a public forum on Wednesday at the Bradley Gym.
Shawn Augustine, who serves as the principal for the school, spoke to the audience along with Salina Diocese Superintendent Geoff Andrews and they then responded to questions. Augustine touched on key ideas that were expressed, pointing to one that came from senior class students. "It's all about family and it's all about trying something that you don't tear apart. And the way you have to move forward with that is you have to have different ways to generate revenue."
Augustine noted that one important point came from a recent graduate and would involve getting students out to speak more in the community, whether it's to other parishes or perhaps to Manhattan Catholic Schools to urge families to bring their eighth grade graduates over to Saint X for high school. "That's what this school does. It builds through faith, morals. It just builds so much for them."
There were multiple options mentioned for proceeding forward. They include number one, maintaining the school as a Pre-K through 12 operation. Other possibilities include maintaining Pre-K through six or Pre-K through grade five status. "I think our biggest thing right now is to figure out how we can keep everything the way it is, but also you have to have your balanced budget which is tough, " said Augustine.
Augustine characterized the event as an eye opener where everyone needs to work together for what is best in the community, keeping the school a Pre-K through 12 facility as it is now.
Augustine pointed to the annual school fundraising auction which will be held on April 20th. "We're wanting that to be bigger than it ever has been." He noted that they need to look at ways to help families who want what Saint X offers but can't pay the cost per student. Another idea involved a Pre-K through K program in the summer, and those in attendance were told that they could donate money to help with the shortfall.
On the projected $300,000 shortfall Augustine noted that it is a challenge but the school has been in that situation before. "I think the whole point of tonight was to ensure that any rumors were squashed, here's the situation we're in and how can we move forward and help. Augustine added it does seem like they are moving forward for another school year but there must be a determination on how to sustain for more years in the future."Because this is definitely a staple in the community that people do not want to let go of."
Andrews said this financial concern also exists in other schools in the Diocese. He noted that sustainability needs to be figured out and reaching class sizes of 12 to 15 students every year would help. Anderson also suggested getting a group of people and forming a committee to help with the sustainability issue.