Brothers need a week to look over Driscoll proposal

Driscoll Catholic High School supporters met with the school's operators Tuesday afternoon to present their plan to save the school from closing.

The presentation lasted about two hours, supporters said.

"It was a good presentation, they were very engaged and all we can be is hopeful," said Gene Faut, a Driscoll parent who is helping lead the band of supporters.

But Christian Brothers of the Midwest, which runs the 43-year-old school for the Joliet Diocese, say they need a week to study the proposal.

A group of parents and alumni have raised more than $800,000 and have proposed new operational methods in an attempt to keep the Addison school afloat. Supporters will continue to try and reach their initial goal of raising $1 million while Christian Brothers contemplates the school's future. Supporters said they are willing to operate the school themselves if Christian Brothers balks at their plan.

Christian Brothers officials announced plans to close the school earlier this month, a day after announcing tuition rates would be frozen at about $7,000. They cited declining enrollment and increasing costs as the reason for the school's closing. By the end of the year, the school would have an operating deficit of close to $1 million, Christian Brothers officials said. The school offers more financial aid assistance than many other DuPage County Catholic high schools, they added.

Faut said Tuesday's presentation focused on plans to improve enrollment and fiscal management of the school by increasing fundraising and alumni support.

The private school's board of trustees hit up Christian Brothers and the diocese for a $3.5 million loan earlier in the year to pay for operating losses and building improvements, but were turned down, Christian Brothers officials said in the past.

The school is known as athletics powerhouse, having captured seven straight state football championships through 2007 and most recently capturing the girls basketball state championship.