Dear Purcell Marian Community,
As the newly appointed President of Purcell Marian High School, I have been charged with leading the school into its next evolution. During my first 30 days, I have engaged in a listening tour, meeting with stakeholders, faculty members, students, and board members and listening for themes that have emerged from these conversations regarding “What’s Next for Purcell Marian” “What excites you about Purcell Marian?” “What does Purcell Marian need to focus on?” I thank all of those in the community who have taken the time to welcome me, and share their hopes, dreams, and concerns for Purcell Marian High School with me.
Overwhelmingly, one theme rose time and time again– the need for a robust, cohesive strategic plan for the school. As such, with the support of the Board of Directors, Purcell Marian will begin a strategic planning process, the first for the school since former-Principal Farfsing’s “Vision 2020” which brought forth the inception and growth of International Baccalaureate Program, growth in enrollment, the construction and completion of Staubach Stadium, all while prioritizing the financial health and sustainability of the school.
The 2025–2028 Strategic Plan for Purcell Marian High School is rooted in the tradition of our Catholic faith, our historic family of schools, and the vibrant community of students and families who choose and thrive at Purcell Marian today. Honoring our legacy while addressing the modern-day challenges of education, PMHS is committed to listening to and learning from our entire community, including current students, faculty and staff, alumni, parents, and local partners.
Purcell Marian needs your help; We want to continue to hear from you. We invite you to engage in this process with us through:
- Surveys
- One-on-one conversations
- Focus groups
- Key stakeholder interviews
Our intention is to gather meaningful feedback to inform our strategy, identify emerging themes, and determine actionable next steps. While not every idea will be implemented, and every opinion validated, the Strategic Planning Committee is committed to reflective listening and thoughtful consideration of the experiences of our alumni, students, and families, the community perception of our school, and the challenges of educating in the modern age.
The landscape of Catholic education has changed significantly since Purcell High School’s founding in 1928. A model once supported by religious orders now relies heavily on charitable giving, tuition, foundations, and public funding. As this model has shifted over time, so must we while remaining true to our Catholic and Marianist identity.
Purcell Marian has too long been a school that has been underestimated. For nearly 100 years, our story has remained the same: here on Hackberry, our students are talented, resilient, and capable, when given the opportunity.
And so, today we face two important questions: How must we evolve while remaining faithful to our mission in a time of transformation? And, what is our unique value for students in the 21st century?
As we approach our centennial in 2028, I invite you to join us in shaping the future of Purcell Marian High School. As we develop focus areas that will define our direction for the next three years, we welcome your perspective, as alumni, as faculty and staff, as students, as parents, or community partners, YOU are an essential voice in the future of the Castle.
In the spirit of community,
Theodore James Whapham, PhD
President, Purcell Marian High School
