STATEGIC PLANNING

For the Future of Catholic Schools

Many of you may have read recently about Vision 2015, a plan to make Delaware public schools world class by the year 2015.  Catholic schools in the Dioceses of Wilmington have been planning for the future of our students in similar ways.  The Steering Team charged with the task of developing a vision and plan for Catholic Schools has been meeting for more than three years, working with local and diocesan leaders to strengthen the quality and Catholicity of our educational ministry.

The Steering Team recommended that every elementary school in the Diocese develop a strategic plan.  This fall, Catholic Elementary Schools in the Diocese of Wilmington are engaged in a one-year strategic planning process.  Our schools need to plan carefully for their future if they hope to meet the challenges of quality and affordability, and stay true to their ministry of education as uniquely Catholic.  They must dream about the possibilities for continued faith formation and education in a ministry devoted to raising future leaders of our Church and our world.

The strategic planning process is being guided by the Catholic Schools Office and consultants from Educational Strategies Incorporated.  It is based upon sound business and educational practices of planning, and is aligned with the accreditation process established by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Elementary Schools.  Each Catholic school will develop an action plan to meet its needs and goals in the immediate and short-term future.

Strategic planning depends upon the vision and leadership of local people who best know the needs and challenges of their school and parish.  During the initial step, the Pastor and Principal identify persons within the parish community who are well suited to dream and plan on behalf of their Catholic School.  These committees are forming now and will keep the parish community informed and aware of their work.

Effective strategic planning requires a shared understanding of the school’s mission.  For this reason, every school will examine its mission and develop a series of core belief statements that define their purpose.  Schools will ask, “What is our purpose for being, and how do we best serve our families and students in the ministry of Catholic education:” This mission statement will become the heart of evaluation and planning on how best to prepare for the future.  An understanding of the unique and precious role that Catholic schools play in faith formation and future of our faith communities is essential to this process.

School planning committees will identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the accomplishment of the mission.  This will include a thorough review of demographics, finances, enrollment, educational programs, staffing and other factors that impact the quality of the Catholic School.  The data review and analysis will  bring particular focus and clarity to the challenges facing the school in the immediate future.

Initial goals established by the committee will be shared with staff, parents and parish organizations in the development stage so that the planning process is inclusive and considers the community view.  From these initial goals, school planning committees will develop action steps, finance implications and timelines.

By April 2007, schools will be well on their way to having a written plan which will guide their future.  Parish and local communities will have discussed their purpose and the future of Catholic education.  They will dream about the possibilities for service and plan to make that dream a reality.

Through each step of the strategic plan, parishes and schools are working with neighboring parishes and schools.  In monthly meetings, representatives are sharing the challenges and opportunities of planning together.  They are discovering similar joys and tensions in the work, while focusing on the needs of their individual communities.  Catholic education will be enriched by this collaborative sharing and planning.

Catholic education has always been about preparing students today to love, honor and serve God and others tomorrow.  Strategic Planning for our schools will keep us true to this commitment and focused on continuing to be of service in the future.  May God bless the work!