LEADERSHIP SUMMIT ON CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
February 10, 2009
Best Advice
We must articulate clearly:
- What is a “system”
- What “Catholic Identity” really means
- A clear philosophy of Catholic Education
- The Mission of the Catholic School
We need to examine:
- What other (arch)dioceses have done under similar circumstances
- Best practices that produce success
- What people expect from the Catholic School
- Why people do not choose Catholic Schools
- Sharing campuses and resources among schools
- Where Catholic Schools are most needed-make choices
- Why we are fighting to save a system that serves a small number while we are losing the larger number
We need to establish the premise that Catholic Education is a part of the overall Mission of the Church.
- Supported across the board
- Move from parochial to regional
- All parishes support schools
We need to keep in mind that Catholic Education is broader than the Catholic School
- Must provide equal resources to all faith formation programs at all levels
- We must guard against disenfranchising our public school children who need education
We need an Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan and we need a good comprehensive pastoral plan in each parish—both inclusive of Catholic Education (School and Faith Formation)
Establish a dedicated website open to all
- Keep transparency
We need to balance realism with idealism
- Some schools will close
- We must change or close—no option
- This calls for sacrifice that will affect all
- Be willing to prune for the health of all
- We must not be afraid to face death in some areas-there will be new life
We need to re-imagine Catholic Schools
- Not the same as before
- New reasons to exist in 21st century
- No one model may work for everyone-we may need different models for different places
Recommendations
Find new and creative sources for funding
- Capital campaign
- Tithing program
- Financial resources apart from tuition
- Convert parish subsidy money to tuition assistance
- Establish endowed scholarship programs
- Establish an affordable, universal tuition system
- Increase Corporate funding
Leadership
- Create Board of Trustees (local level authority)
- Seek qualified people in the field
- Train administrators on basic business principles
- Create a clear and precise reporting chain for good order and expediency
Use other models for Catholic Schools
- Charter schools
- Cristo Rey
Restructure
- Separate Dept. of Education from Evangelization/Catechesis and Youth Ministry
- Engage more volunteerism in the schools
Never overlook or disregard
The Church’s Mission to the Poor
- We cannot be exclusive—serving only those who can afford it
Vocation Potential of the Catholic School
The importance of Catholic presence in the city schools
Catholic Identity
- Value to all
The potential for Evangelization
- School is the conduit for evangelizing the family
The power of a Catholic Vote
- Work toward a “Catholic” voice in Annapolis
We are all in this together
The growing Hispanic population
