On the heels of the incredible news about a $1 million challenge grant for the Father Augustine Tolton Regional Catholic High School comes a second round of good news.  A president/principal has been hired to take over the helm of the new school currently under construction.

“Just as those who are building the structure recognize the vital importance of a good foundation, we also recognize that in making the school a reality we need good leadership such as we are getting with Kristie Wolfe,” says Bishop John R. Gaydos.

Kristie Wolfe, M.Ed., has more than 17 years experience in Catholic education, the past four serving as principal of Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Pennsylvania.   In that role, she has developed the school’s Catholic identity, set a clear instructional direction, improved communication and public relations, integrated technology and managed the budget, including the institution of new payroll, bookkeeping, student information and finance aid award systems.

“She has the enthusiasm, passion for Catholic schools, an excellent knowledge of curriculum, and the proven experience to run a small Catholic high school.  We are eagerly looking forward to welcoming Mrs. Wolfe and her family to our diocese,” said Don Novotney, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Jefferson City.

Wolfe and her husband Tom, a self-employed business consultant, are the parents of six children ranging in age from 4 to 20.

“I’m very pleased that Mrs. Wolfe will be joining us as the founding president/principal for our new high school. Her experience is extremely important as we open the school and build it from the ground up. I’m impressed with her qualifications and her energy and I look forward to great times ahead,” says Dr. Kate Trauth, chair of the president/principal search committee and parent of a Catholic high school student and an eighth grader.

“While there is much work to do in the year ahead, it is with a joyful heart that I join the efforts of the faithful of Columbia and the Diocese of Jefferson City in this blessed endeavor! My family and I look forward to being an active part of this community,” Mrs. Wolfe said of her new role.

for Father Augustine Tolton Regional Catholic High School

“The faith and generosity of our donors astounds me,” said Most Reverend John R. Gaydos, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City announcing a $1 million pledge to be contributed when fundraising for the Catholic high school reaches the $12 million mark.

To date, the project has garnered $10.3 million in cash and pledges, one million of which has been raised in the last eleven weeks since the groundbreaking ceremony on May 23rd.  Fundraising has taken on new life as construction moves forward and the knowledge that the school is a reality sinks in.

“This is the perfect time to issue this challenge to Columbia’s Catholic families and the community as a whole,” noted Bishop Gaydos as the sentiments of the donors, who wish to remain anonymous.  Meeting the challenge now by raising another $1.7 million will significantly reduce the school’s long-term debt load, operating costs and keep tuition affordable.

Final bids have come in about 20% less than estimated and reduced the total project cost to $14 million.   Work at the Gans Road site is on schedule for a fall 2011 opening date.  The subterranean pilings are complete and footings for the gym are scheduled to be poured this week.  The gym is going up first as it is the supporting structure for the classroom wing.  The steel is on order and grading of the west parking lot is underway.

“Full speed ahead,” said Bishop John R. Gaydos as he approved the purchase of the steel and concrete to build the Father Augustine Tolton Regional Catholic High School in Columbia.

The purchase will be the latest leap forward toward the school’s Fall 2011 opening date.

“Buying the steel and concrete before prices escalate with the recovering economy is good stewardship of the building donations entrusted to our care,” said Bishop Gaydos, who acted on the recommendation of the project’s Executive Committee.
The purchase will also keep the project on the strict construction timeline necessary to be ready for the students when they arrive.

Meanwhile, excavation is nearing completion on the floor for the school’s gymnasium.

Father Augustine Tolton Regional Catholic High School will offer a rigorous, faith-based, college-prep curriculum, including instruction in the Catholic faith. It will draw students from Columbia and surrounding communities.

To date, $10.1 million in donations has been raised for the high school. Site package and structural bids for the project came in at 20 percent less than estimated, dropping the expected cost of the school to $14.3 million.

It is anticipated that lower mechanical, electrical and plumbing bids, all of which are due at the end of July, will further decrease the project cost.

In the meantime, fund-raising continues. Over 100 volunteers are organizing to complete calls to all Catholic families in Columbia, while a committee headed by David Keller sets about contacting local businesses for their support.

“The high school will have a major economic impact on the Columbia area and part-nering with our businesses now makes sense,” said Mr. Keller, president of The Bank of Missouri.

Donald Novotney, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Jefferson City diocese, along with area high school principals, is hard at work refining the curriculum for the new school. At the same time, a committee is reviewing applications to hire the school’s first president.

The initial phase of the high school will be built to accommodate 200 to 250 students. It will include 11 classrooms — seven general, two science, and an art and music room. Additionally, the school will house science and computer labs and the library/media center. The state-of-the art gymnasium is designed with two cross-courts, a weight room and lockers.

The school will open with ninth and 10th grade in year one, adding 11th grade in year two and 12th grade in year three.

Printer friendly version of this article.
From: The Catholic Missourian, July 16, 2010 issue, Vol. 54 No. 2
Article written by Jane Rutter

Please pause for a moment to reflect on the inspiring words of Msgr. Gregory Higley, Vicar General, before he blessed the site:

“It is in the heart where one finds love of neighbor. It is in the soul where one finds love of God. Catholic schools provide the environment where these two loves passed on to us by our Master Teacher, Jesus Christ, can be sought, can be embraced, can be discussed, can be practiced on a daily basis, along with the other important elements of a curriculum that will include the arts and sciences.”

Her husband, John Gahl, is also a Professor in the College of Engineering at the University of Missouri and is currently a member of the Newman Center Parish Council. John and Kate have two daughters in Catholic education—Ginny is a sophomore at Helias Interparish High School and Martha is a 7th grader at Columbia Catholic School.

“My husband and I are both products of Catholic primary and secondary education, and I am very excited to be expanding my role in helping to make the high school a reality for families in the mid-Missouri region. “

Most Rev. John R. Gaydos,

Diocese of Jefferson City

Executive Committee

Rev. Msgr. Gregory Higley, Vicar General

Rev. Msgr. Michael Flanagan, E.V. Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes

Rev. Steven Kuhlmann, O.P. Pastor, Sacred Heart

Rev. Thomas Saucier, O.P. Pastor, St. Thomas More Newman Center

Dr. Kate Trauth, Executive Committee Chair, St. Thomas More Newman Center

Dr. Gerald Brouder, Campaign Co-chair

Bo Fraser, Campaign Co-chair

Ray Beck, Project Director

Jon Bequette, parish representative Sacred Heart

Jay Burchfield, parish representative Our Lady of Lourdes

Donald F. Novotney, Superintendent of Schools

E. Jane Rutter, Director, Stewardship Office

Q. WHERE DOES THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT STAND TODAY?
A. Construction is moving forward! Work began on the site shortly before the ground-breaking ceremony May 2010. The subterranean pilings are complete and footings for the gym will be poured the week of August 9. The gym will go up first as it will be the supporting structure for the classroom wing. The steel is on order and grading of the west parking lot is under way. We are underway!

Q. WHEN WILL THE HIGH SCHOOL OPEN?
A. The goal is to open the school in the fall of 2011.

Q. WHAT IS THE TOTAL COST TO BUILD THE FR. TOLTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL?
A. The estimate is $14 million. We have gifts and pledges totaling $10.3 million. Fundraising will continue during construction and the balance will be financed.

Q. HOW IS THE PROJECT BEING FUNDED?
A. Funding is coming from private donations.

Q. WHAT IS THIS NEWS ABOUT A $1 MILLION CHALLENGE GRANT?
A. An anonymous donor has promised the campaign another million when we raise $12 million in gifts and pledges. Your new gift now will count toward the $1.7 million we need to receive the challenge grant.

Q. WHAT IF I HAVE ALREADY MADE A PLEDGE TO THE HIGH SCHOOL?
A. If you made a pledge to the high school during one of the previous campaigns, please consider extending your pledge by two to three years.

Q. WHO WILL BE ASKED TO PARTICIPATE?
A. All registered households in the Columbia parishes will be asked to participate. Every household has the capacity to participate at some level. We will also be asking the Columbia business community and the eight parishes in outlying communities for their support.

Q. MUST I MAKE A PLEDGE?
A. One of the fundamental responsibilities of our Catholic faith is to support Catholic education and commit ourselves to the Church’s mission for the benefit of the whole community. While all gifts are welcome, one purpose of asking for a five year commitment is to give a sense of cash flow over the next five years. Pledges enable donors to maximize their investment, so we ask that you prayerfully consider what you can do in this regard. We are asking you to make a pledge toward this goal and pay the pledge over five years – either weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually.

Q. WILL I HAVE TO DISCUSS MY PLEDGE AMOUNT WITH A VOLUNTEER?
A. No. You will fill out your pledge card privately and then re-seal your card in the envelope.

Q. WHAT’S INVOLVED IN MAKING A PLEDGE?
A. Your packet contains a pledge card. Simply enter the total amount pledged over a five-year period and how it will be paid. A 10% payment with your pledge is suggested but not necessary. Completed pledge cards can be mailed to the office at: Fr. Tolton Catholic High School, 903 Bernadette Drive, Columbia, MO 65203 or dropped in a collection basket with the envelope clearly marked, “Fr. Tolton Catholic High School.”

Q. WHAT IF I CANNOT FULFILL MY PLEDGE AT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE?
A. Your pledge is a prayerful statement of your intent; it is not a binding legal agreement. We understand that peoples’ financial situations can and do change. If circumstances dictate, your pledge can be adjusted.

Q. WILL ALL THE MONEY BE USED FOR THE NEW BUILDING?
A. Yes. The monies raised will be specifically dedicated to the project, including the actual building and associated fees. The funds will not be used for any other purpose.

Q. SHOULD I GIVE LESS TO MY WEEKLY CONTRIBUTION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CAMPAIGN?
A. No. The success of the high school capital campaign hinges on your being faithful to your weekly commitment of parish support first. Our campaign invites you to make a five-year pledge over and above your present parish weekly giving. We ask you to consider the suggested giving guidelines in the campaign material.

Q. WHAT CONSTITUTES A GIFT?
A. A gift may be any negotiable asset of realistic market value. Stocks, commodities, insurance, real estate, land, crops, or bonds are alternatives to cash. If you have any questions about making a non-cash gift, make a note on your pledge card and return it. You will be contacted with more details on how to make this arrangement work for you.

Q. ARE THERE MEMORIALS AND NAMING OPPORTUNITIES?
A. Yes. We welcome these gifts and will work with you to make sure the appropriate recognition is given. Please call the high school office (573-445-7700) to speak to the development director for more details and a list of naming opportunities.

Q. IS MY GIFT TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
A. Yes, all contributions to the building project are deductible in accordance with Federal and Missouri law. As always, please consult with your financial advisor for questions on how your giving affects your personal financial situation.

Q. WHEN AND HOW WILL PLEDGES BE PAID?
A. You choose how you want to pay your pledge. It may be paid annually, semi-annually, quarterly, monthly, or in any other way you desire. Pledges can also be paid using EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) directly from your bank account.

Q. WHO WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND FR. TOLTON REGIONAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL?
A. Fr. Augustine Tolton Regional Catholic High School will be open to all who want to attend a faith-based, small school environment.

Q. HOW WILL TUITION BE DETERMINED?
A. Fr. Augustine Tolton Regional Catholic High School will be a tuition-based high school. Current projections based on a financial model for a $14M project fully funded through pledges indicate that tuition costs will be between $5,000 – $6,000 per school year. Fundraising and in-kind construction donations may affect the proposed tuition. Non-Catholic student tuition will be higher based on actual operational costs. An endowment for grants and scholarships for those needing financial assistance will be developed.

Contact the high school office at 573-445-7700 if you have other questions or would like to receive more information.

Updated on August 9, 2010