Gifts to Columbia Catholic school eliminate millions in debt

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Anonymous gifts made to Father Tolton Catholic High School in Columbia eliminated $6.2 million of debt.

According to a release from Tolton on Tuesday, multiple donors gave money to the school.

A Tolton spokesman said the donations give students new opportunities.

"By removing the burden of this debt, our benefactors have given us the chance to expand and enrich the educational and formation programs at Tolton,” said Bishop W. Shawn McKnight.

Interim president Jill McIntosh said the debt forgiveness allows Tolton to explore expansion options. McIntosh said the school is looking at enriching its curriculum and investing in professional development for faculty members.

Some of the debt was incurred when the high school was built about a decade ago. The release shows a more than $300,000 loan from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish is included with the debt.

According to the release, 252 students are currently enrolled at the school. Tolton is part of the Diocese of Jefferson City.