Unwavering Faith: How St. Mary's Southside Catholic High School Defied Closure and Ignited a Community

In a world often quick to dismiss the underdog, Mike England, President of St. Mary's Southside Catholic High School, stands as a testament to unwavering faith, tenacious leadership, and the transformative power of community. His journey, marked by both personal and institutional challenges, culminates in a story of miraculous resilience that has not only saved a school but has breathed new life into an entire neighborhood.

For nearly 40 years, Mike England has dedicated his life to education. After 15 years at his alma mater, CBC High School, he noticed a troubling trend: decisions were being made in the best interest of adults, not students. Driven by a desire for change, he pursued a master's degree and became an assistant principal. His vision for a student-centric environment led him to unexpectedly step into the role of president, becoming the first lay president in the school's history. This period, though challenging, served as a divine preparation for the trials ahead.

Facing Adversity and Finding Purpose

In 2013, after five and a half years as president, Mike was unceremoniously fired from his position. While a deeply painful experience, he now views it as a pivotal moment orchestrated by God, preparing him for his next calling at St. Mary's High School. Located in the underserved Dutchtown neighborhood of St. Louis, St. Mary's was struggling. The school had succumbed to the narrative of urban decay, neglecting its immediate community in favor of recruiting students from wealthier areas.

Upon his arrival, Mike recognized the immense potential within St. Mary's to be an anchor for the neighborhood. He points to the transformative work of his predecessor, Father Mitch Doyen, who, with the help of then-Mayor Francis Slay, demolished a crime-ridden apartment complex behind the school and built a baseball field. This single act reduced 911 calls to the zip code by 90%, a powerful demonstration of the school's potential to impact its surroundings.

Investing in the Community: The St. Joseph Housing Initiative

Mike's vision for St. Mary's extended beyond the classroom. He focused on improving the school's physical structures and, crucially, co-founded the St. Joseph Housing Initiative with Bridget Flood of the Incarnate Word Foundation. This initiative buys vacant houses around St. Mary's, renovates them to the highest standards, and sells them to low and moderate-income families, providing down payment assistance and fostering homeownership. With 16 houses already transformed, including five on a single street, the initiative has revitalized blocks and empowered families, extending its reach into North City as well.

Then came COVID-19, which disproportionately affected St. Mary's students, 95% of whom require financial aid. Families faced job losses and deaths, making tuition payments impossible. Mike, however, assured them, "Your sons need to be here right now more than ever. We'll figure out how to make it work." This commitment led to increased archdiocesan subsidies, but a new challenge loomed: "All Things New," a strategic planning process by the archdiocese that threatened to close Catholic schools.

Overcoming the Threat of Closure

For two years, rumors of closure plagued St. Mary's, causing enrollment to drop. Despite the uncertainty, Mike remained steadfast, believing in the school's mission. On September 26, 2022, he and his principal, Valerie Todd, were called to the archdiocese and informed of the decision to close St. Mary's. Mike's immediate response was a defiant "No, you're not doing it." He declared his intention to keep the school open, independent of the archdiocese, a decision met with skepticism but fueled by an unshakeable faith.

That same day, Mike preempted the archdiocese's official announcement, informing his faculty, staff, and then the wider community of the impending closure and his resolve to fight it. His faculty, inspired by his commitment, rallied behind him. The media storm that followed forced the archdiocese to move up their announcement, and crucially, the Archbishop stated he would not stand in St. Mary's way if they could make it work. This was the opening Mike needed.

Rebirth as St. Mary's Southside Catholic High School

With God's undeniable presence, St. Mary's embarked on an incredible journey. They formed a new 501(c)(3), raised significant funds, and on July 14, 2023, purchased the property, becoming 100% independent. Now known as St. Mary's Southside Catholic High School, they boast growing enrollment, a successful pre-apprenticeship program in the trades (the first and only Catholic high school in Missouri to do so), and are forging new partnerships.

The school's commitment to its teachers is evident in three consecutive 8% pay increases, making their salaries competitive and attracting quality educators. Mike emphasizes that the school's impact extends far beyond academics; it teaches students tenacity, faith, and the importance of community. During the crisis, students showed incredible support, with one sign in the lobby simply reading, "Keep the Faith."

A Vision for the Future

Mike's vision is to secure the school's future through investment, not just donations. He sees St. Mary's as a vital community resource, impacting young men, fostering homeownership through the St. Joseph Housing Initiative, and providing a quality Catholic education to all, especially those who cannot afford it. He recounts a powerful story of a single father whose daughter, for the first time, invited friends over to their new home, a testament to the dignity and community St. Mary's helps create.

Despite being encouraged to become a charter school, Mike remains committed to St. Mary's Catholic identity. He believes that even for the 75% of non-Catholic students, the school instills values, teaches about a loving God, and demonstrates faith in action. The story of a $235,000 donation from an alumnus to fix a failing gym roof, just days after the archdiocese declared it St. Mary's responsibility, is a powerful example of God's intervention.

Mike England's journey with St. Mary's is a powerful narrative of leadership, resilience, and unwavering faith. It's a story that inspires, challenges, and equips, demonstrating how one man's commitment, guided by a higher purpose, can transform lives and uplift an entire community.