By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Catholic schools in Hays are facing some budget concerns as well as space issues.

“We don’t want to grow faster than what we can sustain,” said Thomas More Prep-Marian Development Director Jeff Brull.

During a strategic planning meeting earlier this week, Bishop Edward Weisenburger of the Salina diocese outlined long-range plans for Catholic education in Hays.

Holy Family Elementary School has a waiting list for students, according to Brull.

It’s been determined that the $750,000 price tag for reopening the former Kennedy Middle School to operate a third campus is too expensive. That estimate does not include necessary capital improvements to the building.

Positive enrollment trends could lead to construction at the existing two campuses. Brull said there are options with the Holy Family building, which is an Immaculate Heart of Mary parish school:

The junior high was added to TMP two years ago at a cost of $700,000.

The high school residency program is also being reviewed.

The two facilities, which usually house 50 to 60 international students, require about $1.3 million in badly needed repairs, according to Weisenburger.

If the money can’t be raised, host families might be asked to come forward  to offer living quarters — or the program could be closed in May 2015.

Another upcoming issue is the hiring of a new principal for TMP-Marian Junior/Senior High School for the 2015-16 school year.

Kathy Taylor, a longtime faculty member, has served as TMP principal the past two years and will be departing after the 2014-15 school year.