A newly formed nonprofit board is proposing to take over operations of St. Dominic Academy high school in Auburn, which is targeted for closure at the end of this school year.

The group of local Catholics, alumni and supporters says it has initial funding to keep the school operating after the Diocese of Portland announced it would close in March.

The board says it’s submitted a proposal to lease the Auburn campus for a year starting July 1st but indicates the diocese has not been responsive.

The diocese has said the high school program is no longer “financially solvent” given current enrollment.

A statement from the board says it would take on full financial and operational responsibility for the school and provide “immediate financial relief “to the Diocese while ensuring the school stays open.

The board says it’s offered to manage the Auburn campus as a school for grades 6-12 beginning this fall. The Diocese previously said the Pre K-8th grade program will continue in Lewiston.

The board in its statement did not specify the funding it generated to continue the high school program.

The diocese has said Saint Dominic Academy would need to borrow $1.2 million by the end of August just to meet staff payroll.

Five-year operational losses for Saint Dominic are expected to top $2.5 million by the end of the school year, with the diocese subsidizing at least $1 million.