Dodge

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New School Construction Project Overview ~ March 2026 Update

Continuing a 115-Year Legacy
For more than 115 years, Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic School (SHCCS) has educated generations of students
from its original Dodge City location. While the tradition remains strong, the existing facility no longer supports
the demands of modern education, proper ADA access, technology integration, or program growth. Parish
leadership responded by advancing construction of an entirely new school designed to serve students and
families for decades to come. Designed by GMCN Architects of Garden City and Manhattan, Kansas, and constructed by Hutton Construction of Wichita, the project reflects disciplined planning, strong financial oversight, and exceptional parishioner support.
Serving a regional population of approximately 26,000, SHCCS provides an important private education option
that complements public offerings and strengthens the community’s educational infrastructure. Construction is
well advanced, funding for the academic building is secured, and the school is scheduled to open for the 2026–
2027 academic year.

Academic School Building — Fully Funded
The centerpiece of the project is a 53,350-square-foot academic facility designed for up to 400 Pre-K through 8th
grade students, with two classrooms per grade level, and dedicated Pre-K and special education spaces. The
building also features a dual-purpose band room that functions as a storm shelter capable of protecting
approximately 400 occupants.

With a total cost of $17.3 million, the academic building has surpassed fundraising expectations.
As of March 31, 2026, the project has secured $17,500,700 in gifts and pledges, including $14.9 million (85.1%) received in cash.
A $3.5 million loan guarantee from a local banking partner provides short-term liquidity through the pledge
redemption period ending in January 2027, allowing construction to progress without long-term debt exposure.
The building is now more than halfway complete and remains on schedule for opening. Notably, the majority of
funding has come directly from parish families. A feasibility study projected the parish could raise approximately
$4 million; that expectation has been exceeded many times over, demonstrating strong confidence in the school’s
future.

Gymnasium — Completing the Project
The final component is an 18,000-square-foot gymnasium designed to support athletics, physical education, fine
arts programming, and large gatherings. Plans include a regulation basketball court, two multi-directional
practice courts, seating for approximately 1,000 attendees, locker rooms, restrooms, storage, and a mezzanine.
The facility is intended to benefit both students and the broader community by providing space for youth
activities, events, and civic functions. The gymnasium carries an estimated cost of $4.7 million.
As of March 31, 2026, $1.9 million in pledges and $470,000 in cash have been secured. To maintain construction efficiency, project leadership authorized $2.4 million in early work, including site preparation, utilities, structural steel, and exterior enclosure. This is possible
by using available funds and the capacity within the existing construction loan. This phase is currently underway.
Approximately $2.8 million in additional gifts and pledges are needed to complete the facility and deliver the
full vision of the project. The original feasibility study anticipated that support beyond the parish would
ultimately be necessary for a project of this scale.

An Investment in Dodge City’s Future
Strong educational opportunities support workforce recruitment and retention, attract young families, and
contribute to long-term economic stability. In a community the size of Dodge City, access to both public and
private education enhances choice and strengthens the overall infrastructure and attraction to our city.
Parishioner generosity has brought this project to a decisive stage. Completing the gymnasium ensures the new
school will fully support student development while providing a valuable resource for the community.

Invitation to Partner

With the academic building fully funded and construction well advanced, Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic School
invites community partners to help complete the remaining portion of the project. Organizations that value
education, community development, and long-term investment in Dodge City have an opportunity to participate
in a project already demonstrating measurable progress and responsible leadership.
Partnership opportunities may include leadership gifts, matching contributions, or multi-year commitments. All
support will be stewarded with transparency and accountability consistent with the disciplined approach guiding
the project from its inception.
Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic School looks forward to opening its new school and continuing a 115-year
tradition of educational excellence — now supported by a modern facility built to serve future generations.

If you would like to donate to our new school project, please click the "donate NOW!" button or call Becca Studt at the Cathedral office at 620-225-4802. All donations are welcome!

Donate NOW!

LIVE LOOK AT THE FUTURE | PREPARING A PLACE