Catholic schools in Biloxi, Miss., Diocese begin to regroup

Published: 2005-09-15

BILOXI, Miss. (CNS) -- When Mike Ladner began his role as Biloxi Catholic school superintendent this May, he told his bishop that he "liked a challenge." But little did he know just how much of a challenge he would face. The school year, which began during the period Aug. 4-12, started without a hitch. And then Hurricane Katrina swept through the region Aug. 29, destroying four diocesan schools and causing major to severe damage to seven of them. All 19 diocesan schools closed after the storm and now some of them are slowly in the process of reopening. When Ladner spoke with Catholic News Service in his office Sept. 9, he was happy to report that he had just attended the reopening of St. James School in Gulfport that morning. Another school, Immaculate Conception in Laurel, reopened the previous week. "As soon as they are ready, they reopen," he said, noting that the schools have to be cleaned of debris and mud, dried out and equipped for water, sewage and electricity, and finally must pass inspection by city officials.

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