Demolition work has begun on the CHS building damaged by the June 2011 tornado.
The new bishop of Springfield has pulled back from the “commitment” to rebuild or replace the tornado-damaged Cathedral High School made by his predecessor only nine months ago.
The Springfield Republican reports that Bishop Mitchell Rozanski, who took office in August, wants to “review opinions and options” before committing to a particular decision on the future of the school. The bishop’s announcement, contained in a press release November 7, generated responses of frustration and anger from local officials and CHS supporters, as well as heated comments on the newspaper’s website.
Here are links to articles about the controversy:
Future of Cathedral High School in Springfield uncertain, bishop says
Springfield leaders react with frustration, anger over Cathedral High School rebuilding delay
Diocese spokesman on Cathedral High School: We are not the enemy
Readers respond to stories on questions about Cathedral High School’s future
When the millions were awarded by insurance and by FEMA, I as afraid that the large sum of money would gloss over the Diocese’s eyes and other “priorities” would quickly come to mind. Millions of dollars in the bank can make even the smartest person do strange things. I was afraid that history and tradition would be taking a back seat to fiscal reality.