An independent study commissioned by Catholic School For Me (CS4Me) - a group of parents in southern Madison County, Illinois - concludes that a new Catholic high school is feasible for the Metro East.

The study was conducted by Partners in Stewardship for Life (based in St. Lucie, Florida) over the summer and fall of 2007. Over 80 community leaders, clergy, educators, elected officials, potential donors, parishioners, and parents were interviewed as part of the process. In addition over 1,000 families were surveyed regarding a new school.

The study suggests a school should be centrally located near Maryville, would cost between $12 and $15 million to build, and could serve 400-600 students primarily in the communities of Bethalto, Edwardsville, Collinsville, Glen Carbon, Granite City, Highland, Maryville, and Troy. Tuition of $6,000 per year comparable to area schools in the region was also suggested. Surveyed parents indicated the three features of a new school that most interest them are academics, location, and strong Catholic identity. According to the study, local economic demographics and Sunday collections suggest the cost to build through donations is attainable with a potential first enrollment as early as 2011 or 2012.

CS4Me president, Doug Villhard, said his board of directors is pleased with the results.

"Our board has been at this tirelessly for a couple years now." Villhard said. "This independent study confirms that the growth in our area can support a new high school and our desire to provide both excellent and affordable Catholic education from pre-K through high school is fast becoming a reality for our region."

The study was presented to area priests and Bishop George Lucas, of the Diocese of Springfield, at a meeting at the SIUE Religious center in early January. Bishop Lucas shares Villhard's enthusiasm regarding the study.

"Yes, I'm encouraged as well." Bishop Lucas said. "It's inspiring to see a group of Catholic parents working so diligently to expand the availability of Catholic education for their children. The study has answered my most pressing questions and I'm looking forward to a formal proposal from the group regarding next steps."

Mary Beth Wilson, CS4Me board member, said the group's plans include getting the word out about the study, increasing membership in its committees, and developing a final proposal for the location and makeup of the school.

"We're ready for more volunteers," Wilson said. "Here's a chance to join one of our committees and be part of building a real legacy for our children and our community."

Wilson said committees are forming for faith formation, to select a site location, organize fundraising, support communications, and determine a name for the school. Villhard expects the process to be completed by late spring after which the group will seek to formally win the support of the Diocese and potential donors.

"We have a real opportunity to start from scratch and form a school rich in Catholic identity, conveniently located, and with top-notch academics and extra-curricular activities," Villhard said. "This is going to be a school that Catholics in this region can be passionately proud to call their own."

Information about joining a committee, making a donation, and downloading a summary of the feasibility study can be found on the group's website at http://www.CatholicSchoolForMe.com. In addition the group will be holding town hall meetings at locations in Edwardsville, Maryville, Granite City, and Highland this March to discuss the results of the study in more detail and recruit volunteers. Check the CS4Me website for more details.

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For more information about CS4Me including joining the group or exploring a donation please visit its website at http://www.CatholicSchoolForMe.com or contact Doug Villhard at doug@secondstreetmedia.com or 618-531-6167.

Please refer to the map below to better understand the CS4ME area's proximity to current Catholic high schools east of St. Louis in Illinois: