"Building  a Future with Catholic Education" Under  the leadership of Manhattan Catholic Schools (MCS) Superintendent, Reverend Joseph Popelka; MCS Principal, Tom Schmitz; and the Council of Education, the school has developed a strong vision and plan of action for its  future. The  MCS Long-range Planning Committee has identified both long and short-term objectives to achieve continued growth and development. The Committee prepares a strategic plan that is a dynamic document with an action plan that is evaluated  and modified each year. The plan has identified a distinct group of priorities for MCS, which include: Student  Recruitment and Retention Teacher  Recruitment and Retention Enhancement  of Curriculum and Academic Resources Enhancement  of Religious Education and Spirituality Improvements to Physical Plant Financial  Security Pursuing these priorities require significant financial resources.  Those who personally honor and value the educational and spiritual ideals of Manhattan Catholic Schools and help with financial support make it possible for the school to continue its proven tradition of excellence . . . thank you so much. Below  are highlights and estimated costs of some of the immediate needs MCS is working  to address to move forward on achieving specific goals within each of its priorities: Student  Recruitment and Retention Increase available tuition assistance   3% of tuition is budgeted annually to help families “an additional $15,000 is needed to reach our near-term goal of doubling tuition assistance Increase school visibility, community awareness, and program outreach Update school marketing materials Enhance  website capabilities  Teacher  Recruitment and Retention Provide  additional health care benefits Example:   $300/mo single coverage = $54,000 annually Provide  retirement plan  Example:   3% 401(k) match = $20,000 annually Move toward faculty compensation parity with public school system Currently  80% -- approximately $75,000 needed annually to move to parity The "Teaching Excellence Campaign"  is underway right now!  Click  here to learn more . . . Enhancement  of Curriculum and Academic Resources Create an "InformationTechnology" budget to focus on current and future needs Equipment  replacements, upgrades (hardware and software) and staff development = $25,000  annual budget Add  foreign language program Personnel  and materials =  approximately $40,000 annually Enhancement  of Religious Education and Spirituality Add  position of "Religion Coordinator"  to fulfill school and parish needs Program  requirements estimated at  $15,000 annually  (represents school's share of  program expenses) Improvements to Physical Plant Replace  worn physical plant (window A/C units, carpet, etc) Regular  replacement schedule approximates $20,000 annually Upgrade  campus security and lighting One-time cost of  $10,000 Replace  grade school stage curtains One-time cost of $25,000 Secure long-term access to property adjacent or around grade school Bring  buildings into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act One-time cost of $50,000 Financial  Security Focus  on growing Annual Giving program Focus  on developing a Planned Giving and Major Gift program This summary is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all the goals and  objectives of Manhattan Catholic Schools, but rather to provide information  related to some of the school's short and long-term needs. If you have any questions about the development needs or giving opportunites at MCS,   please call the Director of Development at (785) 565-5060 or email to cdonohue@mcscardinals.org. Thank  you again for your support of Catholic education!