Strategic-Plan-Report

FORWARD IN FAITH

A Strategic Plan for Catholic Schools

Diocese of Colorado Springs 2015-2020



UNIFIED CATHOLIC 228 N. CASCADE AVE, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903
SCHOOLS DIOCESE OF TEL: 719.636.2345 • FAX: 719.636.1216
COLORADO SPRINGS www.diocs.org

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Catholic schools are indispensable to the educational and evangelizing mission of the Church. They are a gift from our forebears who were willing to sacrifice so that their
children could attend schools that formed them in the Catholic faith. These schools were built in a time when anti-Catholic sentiment in America was strong, and young
Catholics were being forced to read books and participate in activities that violated their Catholic beliefs. Parents, religious and clergy banded together to build a school
system that has educated and formed thousands of Catholics, many of whom have become outstanding civic and Church leaders. The mission then and the mission now
are the same – to partner with parents to educate and form young Catholic children to be disciples of Christ.

TOGETHER - forward in faith has my full support and blessing. This strategic plan is based on an extensive study of our Catholic schools that acknowledges the successes
and challenges faced by all Catholic schools today. It addresses the four key areas of effective Catholic schools: Mission and Catholic Identity, Academic Excellence,
Operational Vitality, and Governance. It was crafted by many faithful Catholic stakeholders throughout the diocese and will chart a new course for our Catholic schools.

I acknowledge with gratitude all those involved in the development of this plan and those who will work and sacrifice to bring it to life. Successfully implemented, the plan
will result in stronger schools, more faithfilled educational opportunities for students and parents, schools that are viable and available, and Catholic schools that will equip
the next generation of Catholics to confront and enlighten the culture with Gospel virtues.

Church teachings clearly speak of the importance of Catholic schools to the mission of the Church. Catholic schools are needed today for the same reasons they were
initially built. Our children must be formed to withstand the growing secularism of our culture – a secularism that consistently proclaims that there is no God. Then, like
now, they require the support of the entire Catholic community to succeed. Please join me and the thousands of Catholic educators, parents and alumni as we move
TOGETHER - forward in faith with the same conviction, courage and determination as our ancestors in building schools where young Catholics can learn and live their faith.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Michael J. Sheridan
Bishop of Colorado Springs

UNIFIED CATHOLIC 228 N. CASCADE AVE, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903
SCHOOLS DIOCESE OF TEL: 719.636.2345 • FAX: 719.636.1216
COLORADO SPRINGS www.diocs.org

Dear Supporters of Catholic Schools,

During the 2014/15 school year, many people from across the Diocese of Colorado Springs were involved in the development of the strategic plan for Catholic schools.
The vision, direction and priorities were identified that will ensure the long-term viability of our Catholic schools and make a quality, faith-based education available
and affordable for those parents who desire assistance in educating and forming their children.

I would like to thank Bishop Sheridan for his support of our Catholic schools. His beliefs about the importance of Catholic schools are evident in his words and actions.
He has proclaimed:

• Catholic schools are indispensable to the educational and evangelizing mission of the Church.

• Catholic schools must be Christ centered, with faith and values permeating all that is taught.

• A rigorous academic curriculum inculcated with religious beliefs and practices will educate the students’ minds and form their souls.

• Catholic schools are the responsibility of all Catholics, not just those whose children attend our Catholic schools.

• Catholic schools are the best means available to Catholic parents to assist them in their obligation and responsibility to pass the faith to their children.

I am thankful for the members of the Strategic Planning Committee and for the consultants from Catholic School Management who guided us through the process.
The input from the clergy, religious and hundreds of parents across the diocese helped shape the planning process. Administrators and teachers from each of the
schools were interviewed as well as many diocesan staff. The Diocesan School Advisory Council will be instrumental in working with the administration to finalize the
plan and articulate the goals and objectives.

The strategic plan is grounded in the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (Loyola University, Chicago, 2012).
It lays out goals and concrete means to achieve them. Strategic planning is a process and every goal, objective and strategy will be assigned a team leader and an
action plan with a specific completion date and appropriate resources. Regular reports on the progress of the plan will be made. We are thankful for those who
created the plan and those who will participate and sacrifice to make the plan a reality.

The evidence that supports the success of Catholic schools is comprehensive and compelling. Catholic school graduates succeed academically, are taught and
challenged to live their faith, and are more likely to remain faithful Catholics as young adults. For the future of our Church, our country and our Catholic schools,
let us TOGETHER move forward in faith!

Sincerely in Christ,

Holly Goodwin, Superintendent of Catholic Education
Diocese of Colorado Springs

Steering Committee Members Mr. John Kraus Sub Committee Members
Bishop Michael J. Sheridan Mrs. Terri Loiselle Rev. Jim Baron
Mrs. Julie Bailey Mrs. Sandra Rivera Mr. Bob Doerfler
Mr. John Colgan Mrs. Mary Simmons Rev. Joe Dygert
Mr. Greg Garcia Mr. Peter Speiser Ms. Debbie Evans
Mrs. Holly Goodwin Mrs. Marjie Weldele Rev. Brad Noonan
Mrs. Penny Heiniger Mrs. Sheila Whalen Rev. Mark Zacker
Rev. Msgr. Robert Jaeger

A Strategic Plan for Catholic Schools
Diocese of Colorado Springs 2015-2020

DIOCESE OF COLORADO SPRINGS

Colorado Springs, CO

Prepared by:
Maria J. Ribera, President
Richard J. Burke, Senior Executive Consultant
Donald L. Edwards, Ed.D., Adjunct Consultant
Nicholas M. Wolsonovich, Ph.D., Adjunct Consultant

CATHOLIC SCHOOL MANAGEMENT
A division of Christian Brothers Services | catholicschoolmgmt.com
P.O. Box 4071 • Madison, Connecticut 06443 • (203) 421-5169 • Fax: (203) 421-5172

MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, EDUCATIONAL, FINANCIAL AND DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS
FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS, PARISHES, DIOCESES AND RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES • SINCE 1973

FORWARD IN FAITH

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE STRATEGIC PLAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
MISSION AND CATHOLIC IDENTITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
OPERATIONAL VITALITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

A Strategic Plan for Catholic Schools
Diocese of Colorado Springs 2015-2020

1

INTRODUCTION

A viable and vital future for Catholic schools In the Diocese of Colorado Springs is the overarching goal and purpose behind this strategic plan. Grounded in the National Standards
and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools, the plan provides specific goals and objectives in key areas central to the success of Catholic schools
(Loyola University, Chicago, 2012). The national standards provide a framework through which efforts at the diocesan level can be focused for the collective and individual good of
the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Colorado Springs.

For decades Catholic school students have been given a firm foundation for life through an education that provides them with the fundamentals of their faith and strong
academics. Catholic school graduates are formed with virtues that produce responsible members of society. A significant number of priests, religious, parish lay leaders and
civically engaged Catholics are products of Catholic schools.

National research on the American Catholic population repeatedly demonstrates that Catholic schools tend to produce Faithful who are well educated, better catechized, and
more involved in the Church than those Catholics who do not attend Catholic schools. Recent research from Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) offers further
validation for this strategic plan by providing data to support the statement, “Catholic schools really do matter.” In an article of the same title, CARA researcher Mark Gray
presents findings on how well Catholic schools perform in passing on the Faith to the next generation. Looking at only one aspect of Catholicity, Mass attendance, less than 40%
of American Catholics attend mass weekly. Therefore, there is great significance in the findings that within the youngest generation of American Catholics, the Millennials, 34%
of Catholic elementary school attendees and 39% of Catholic high school attendees continue to attend Mass as adults. Of those Catholic Millennials who did not attend Catholic
schools, only 5% continue to attend Mass as adults (CARA Report, Vol.20: 2, p.7, 2104). Our Catholic schools are succeeding in forming disciples, stewards, and the future leaders of
our Church and communities.

In the past, it was a forgone conclusion that Catholic parents would send their children to Catholic schools. That is no longer the case. In today’s competitive educational
environment Catholic schools must be truly Catholic, academically rigorous and intentionally marketed. Top-notch, faith-filled educators must be provided catechetical and
professional development along with the resources necessary to form and educate each student. Development efforts and financial strategies must be implemented to ensure
our Catholic schools are well-positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Parents are the primary educators of their children and they are to
partner with Catholic and social institutions to fulfill their obligation
of preparing their children for life on earth and eternity. As good as
government schools may be, they are not able nor allowed to help
parents form children in the practice of faith. The case is compelling
and clear, Catholic schools are not just about the private education
of the student, but rather a common good for the benefit of families,
our Church and society.

Through the implementation of this strategic plan the viability
of the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Colorado Springs will be
strengthened and so too their ability to bring Gospel values
and the light of Christ into a world that is increasingly secular,
fragmented and confused.

FORWARD IN FAITH

2

GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE STRATEGIC PLAN

CATHOLIC EDUCATION SUPPORTS OUR FUTURE
Can. 794 §1 The Church has in a special way the duty and the right of educating, for it has a divine mission of helping all to arrive at the fullness of Christian life.
The Unified Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Colorado Springs are indispensable to the teaching and evangelization missions of the Church.
• Catholic Elementary schools will each be located near and function as ministries of a Catholic parish or Catholic parishes.
• The integration of Faith in all academic areas, co-curricular programs, and extracurricular activities is central to the Mission of Catholic education and an intentional part of the

Catholic-school curriculum that is monitored and appropriately updated on a regular basis.
• Catholic schools form Christian leaders who are guided by a moral conscience, live as productive citizens, and know and love truth.
• Research clearly indicates that regular Mass attendance improves dramatically for those who have attended Catholic elementary and secondary schools (34% and 39% of the

Millennial generation compared to 30% and 23% of the Post-Vatican II generation). (See The CARA Report, Fall 2014, Vol. 20, No.2, p. 7.)

CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS HIGH QUALITY EDUCATION
Can. 806 §2 Those who are in charge of Catholic schools are to ensure, under the supervision of the local Ordinary, that the formation given in them is, in its academic
standards, at least as outstanding as that in other schools in the area.
The curriculum for the Unified Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Colorado Springs must not only meet but exceed the state and national standards adopted by local public
and private schools while remaining grounded in the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools and continuing to guide
students in all that is true, good, and beautiful.
• Curriculum outcomes will ensure that students are well prepared to think, to reason, to apply knowledge, and to make informed decisions.
• Investment in educational technology tools and training is a priority due to its ability to enhance the learning experience of all students.
• An appropriate array of support programs, co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and opportunities for leadership must be available to meet the needs of the whole

child and to reinforce a value-added perception when choosing a Catholic education.

CATHOLIC EDUCATION RESPONDS TO THE NEEDS OF COMMUNITIES
Can. 794 §1 The Church has in a special way the duty and the right of educating, for it has a divine mission of helping all to arrive at the fullness of Christian life.
The Unified Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Colorado Springs must reflect grade level configurations, locations, facilities, programs, and infrastructure that best support
existing demographics, projected population growth and infant baptism rates, and the demand for high quality Catholic education along with a desire to remain connected
with the Diocese and Church.
• The Unified Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Colorado Springs welcomes those who desire a Catholic education.
• Preschool through Grade 12 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Colorado Springs must be accessible and available to parents who desire a Catholic school education for

their children.
• Options for Catholic education must respond to the needs of diverse diocesan communities, utilizing available resources.

A Strategic Plan for Catholic Schools
Diocese of Colorado Springs 2015-2020

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CATHOLIC EDUCATION DEMANDS COLLABORATION
AND PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP

Can. 796 §2 There must be the closest cooperation between parents and the teachers to whom they
entrust their children to be educated. In fulfilling their task, teachers are to collaborate closely with
the parents and willingly listen to them; associations and meetings of parents are to be set up and
held in high esteem.

The viability of the Unified Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Colorado Springs is linked to
their ability to proclaim a clear Catholic identity; to offer excellent academic, co-curricular and
extracurricular programs; to maintain safe, structured, and disciplined environments; and,
to implement effective practices related to resource management.

• Effective leadership requires that all who are involved work together and share a common
vision as to the importance, role, and purpose of Catholic education.

• T he Unified Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Colorado Springs must place clear focus on
three key components – effective governance which provides direction
and authority; professional leadership which ensures effective operations; and, catechetical
formation and professional development which ensures the spiritual and academic success
of the schools and students.

• Ongoing public advocacy for the benefit of Catholic schools will continue to be necessary at
the local, state, and national levels.

CATHOLIC EDUCATION REQUIRES ENGAGED SUPPORT
AND STEWARDSHIP

Can. 800 §2 Christ’s faithful are to promote Catholic schools, doing everything possible to help in
establishing and maintaining them.

The Unified Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Colorado Springs will require additional revenue
streams to keep the schools accessible to families desiring a Catholic education.

• The methodology for parish support of Catholic schools must be effective and equitable to
appropriately engage the entire Catholic community.

• In order to remain competitive, Catholic schools require increased resources.

• Institutional advancement efforts must ensure outreach to and engagement of a broad
definition of constituent groups in support of the mission of Catholic education.

FORWARD IN FAITH

4

MISSION AND CATHOLIC IDENTITY

The Church’s teaching mission includes inviting young people to a relationship with Jesus Christ or deepening an existing relationship with Jesus, inserting young people into
the life of the Church, and assisting young people to see and understand the role of faith in one’s daily life and in the larger society. “This unique Catholic identity makes our
Catholic elementary and secondary schools ‘schools for the human person’ and allows them to fill a critical role in the future life of our Church, our country and our world.”
(The Catholic School on the Threshold of the Third Millennium, 1997.)

Excerpt from The National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools.

GOAL 1

The Office of Total Catholic Education will ensure that each school is guided and driven by a mission that confirms the authentic Catholicity of the institution and its unfaltering
commitment to academic excellence and the spiritual/religious formation of its students and employees.

• O bjective 1.1: The Office of Total Catholic Education will provide standards, benchmarks, and rubrics to guide school leaders in assessing the current reality of each
institution with regard to mission and Catholic identity.

• Objective 1.2: The Office of Total Catholic Education will ensure implementation of an annual process which ensures the involvement of multiple stakeholders in
assessing the manner and success in which the mission and Catholic identity of each school is lived both institutionally and on a daily basis.

GOAL 2

The Office of Total Catholic Education will strengthen and augment programs of religious education in Catholic schools in order to invite young people into a relationship
with Jesus Christ.

• Objective 2.1: The Superintendent of Catholic Education will continue practices that ensure that an approved religion curriculum is in place, including provision for the
annual assessment of students, so that catechetical instruction remains consistent with the teachings of the Church and goals and mission of the Diocese.

• Objective 2.2: The Superintendent of Catholic Education, in collaboration with the Diocesan School Advisory Council, will identify specific priorities and strategies for
program improvement, from both a catechetical perspective and from the perspective of institutional marketability, including attention to inclusion of the history of
each institution and the religious communities and charisms that may have shaped this history.

• Objective 2.3: The Office of Total Catholic Education will continue to ensure that programs of religious education are integrative, appropriately rigorous from an
academic perspective, reflective of Catholic moral and social teaching at all grade levels, and that such programs provide appropriate emphasis on faith, culture,
and life within a Catholic world view.

• Ob jective 2.4: The Superintendent of Catholic Education will continue to collaborate with school leadership in the development and maintenance of partnerships
with parish, local, national, and international organizations to support and complement instruction in Catholic social teaching and to provide for student exposure
to and experience in Community Service Learning Programs.

GOAL 3

The Office of Total Catholic Education will ensure that each school is guided and driven by a mission that confirms the authentic Catholicity of the institution and its unfaltering
commitment to academic excellence and The Office of Total Catholic Education will establish opportunities for information exchange, formation, and collaboration among each
school’s multiple stakeholders with regard to ongoing formation in the understanding of the ministry of Catholic education and its relationship to the promotion of Catholic
identity, mission, and academic excellence.

• Objective 3.1: All employees will continue to be required to hold certification at the appropriate level as catechists.

• Objective 3.2: All employees will continue to be provided with annual opportunities for religious and spiritual formation which focus on the Catholic intellectual
tradition as well as Catholic moral and social teaching.

• Objective 3.3: The Office of Total Catholic Education will continue to develop and implement programs to provide annual in-service for board members, volunteers, and
parents of students for religious and spiritual formation which focus on the Catholic intellectual tradition as well as Catholic moral and social teaching.

• Objective 3.4: The Superintendent of Catholic Education will continue to work with school leadership to provide professional learning communities through which
teachers can engage in dialogue regarding the art, science, and mission of Catholic education.

• Objective 3.5: The Superintendent of Catholic Education in collaboration with the Diocesan School Advisory Council will identify appropriate and effective ways to
involve school alumni in programs for religious and spiritual formation which focus on the Catholic intellectual tradition as well as Catholic moral and social teaching.

• Objective 3.6: The Superintendent of Catholic Education will ensure that all schools continue to provide students, employees and other stakeholders with opportunities
of an appropriate frequency to activate their faith through prayer, Eucharist, liturgical experience, service, retreats, etc.

• Objective 3.7: The Office of Total Catholic Education will develop and distribute, on an ongoing and regular basis, materials, data, and information which clearly
differentiate the qualities and outcomes of catechetical programs provided in Catholic schools and those provided in Parish Religious Education Programs to ensure that
the general Catholic community is aware of program difference.

A Strategic Plan for Catholic Schools
Diocese of Colorado Springs 2015-2020

5

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops affirms the message of the Congregation
on Catholic Education that intellectual development of the person and growth as a
Christian go forward hand in hand. Rooted in the mission of the Church, the Catholic school
brings faith, culture, and life together in harmony. In 2005, the bishops noted that “young
people of the third millennium must be a source of energy and leadership in our Church
and our nation. And, therefore, we must provide young people with an academically
rigorous and doctrinally sound program of education” (Renewing Our Commitment to
Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium, 2005). The essential
elements of “an academically rigorous and doctrinally sound program” mandate curricular
experiences – including co-curricular and extracurricular activities – which are rigorous,
relevant, research-based, and infused with Catholic faith and traditions.

Excerpt from The National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools

GOAL 4

The Office of Total Catholic Education will coordinate curriculum design, development, and implementation across the Diocese by ensuring the incorporation of relevant
national, state, local, and diocesan standards that reflect the educational and Catholic missions of the schools while responding to the needs of the specific markets served
by Catholic schools.

• Objective 4.1: The Office of Total Catholic Education in collaboration with Catholic- school leadership will engage in an ongoing and deliberate marketing
and communication campaign to raise awareness of the existence and value of the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and
Secondary Schools.

• Objective 4.2: The Superintendent of Catholic Education will continue to convene local and diocesan teams of educators and experts to assess the curricular, co-
curricular, and extracurricular needs of the Catholic schools in order to effectively map an approved curriculum and program of studies that exhibit quality-assurance
measures and expected outcomes of instruction within each academic discipline and related student- program areas.

• Objective 4.3: The Office of Total Catholic Education will assist school leadership in identifying, planning, and implementing available means to upgrade technology to a
level that is competitive with regard to expectations for 21st century learning and integration (e.g., STREAM – Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math) into
programs of curriculum and instruction.

• Objective 4.4: The Office of Total Catholic Education will continue to utilize the input of the Professional Development Committee in establishing priorities and
developing an annual calendar of offerings to meet effectively the ongoing professional development needs of Catholic-school educators.

GOAL 5

The Office of Total Catholic Education will collaborate with school leadership to increase the availability of educational, enrichment, and support programs provided by Catholic
schools to meet the needs of a diverse student and parent population.

• Objective 5.1: The Office of Total Catholic Education will continue current demographic data-gathering practices and expand efforts to increase available data with
regard to persons of multiple ethnic-racial backgrounds, students who are Catholic as well as students who are practitioners of other faith traditions who would value
education in the Catholic intellectual tradition, and students with exceptionalities (students with attentional challenges, students with diagnosed conditions on the
autism spectrum, students who are diagnosed as gifted and talented, students affected by genetic disabilities such as Down syndrome, etc.).

• Objective 5.2: The Diocesan School Advisory Council will perform an annual analysis of all available data to determine needs and improve the capacity of specific
schools and the Catholic schools as a whole to serve students represented in specific demographics.

• Objective 5.3: Foreign language options will be expanded in format and content to provide age-appropriate exposure as well as academic rigor and credit for
continued study.

• Objective 5.4: The Diocesan School Advisory Council will continue to study the need and feasibility of a transportation ministry for schools and parishes.

• O bjective 5.5: The Office of Total Catholic Education will continue to offer and expand summer-enrichment and remediation programs. Expansion of programs may
include attempts to reach students who are not currently enrolled in Catholic Schools (i.e., Saturday Scholar Programs, parish tutoring, etc.).

• Objective 5.6: The Superintendent of Catholic Education will work with school leaders to ensure that frequent curriculum connections are made that provide opportunity
to take the Catholic schools “into the community” through meaningful field trips; business, industry, career-shadow days; school-focus days in particular selected
community organizations; and, the integration of programs of community-service learning.

• Objective 5.7: The Office of Total Catholic Education will develop further its partnerships with local educational institutions and the civic and business communities for
the benefit of Catholic schools, students, and families.

FORWARD IN FAITH

6

GOAL 6

The Office of Total Catholic Education will collaborate with school leadership to identify and expand opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to grow and celebrate their
talents and abilities thereby contributing to enhanced community understanding of the value of a Catholic education.

• Objective 6.1: The Superintendent of Catholic Education will work with the Diocesan School Advisory Council and school leadership to identify and implement expanded
opportunities for students to grow and engage in new and novel experiences by participating in local, diocesan, regional, state, national and international competitions
such as Future City; regional, state, and national science and engineering fairs; oratorical contests; choral, vocal, instrumental competitions; robotic competitions; the
National Geography Challenge; Discovery Education, and others.

• Objective 6.2: The Superintendent of Catholic Education will work with school leadership to continue implementation of an effective Professional Learning Community
model that allows for both site-based and multi-site communities focused on growing the educational experience of teachers and students.

• Objective 6.3: Teachers and administrators will be encouraged and supported to participate actively as trend setters and leaders in national and regional discipline-based
and leadership organizations such as the National Catholic Educational Association, National Councils of Teachers of English, Mathematics, the Social Studies; American
Council of Teachers of Foreign Language; the National Science Teachers Association; National Social Sciences Association, the International Society for Technology in
Education and others.

GOAL 7

The Superintendent of Catholic Education will work with school leadership to expand the level of rigor in middle-school programs and ensure greater articulation between middle
and high school programs.

• O bjective 7.1: Guidance counselors will be available in schools as employees or through partnerships with local universities to provide interns, practicum students, and
pre-service counselors to Catholic schools.

• Objective 7.2: The Superintendent of Catholic Education will include Guidance and Counseling within the Diocesan curriculum framework with emphasis on middle-school
programs that address academic, personal, and developmental topics from a perspective grounded in Catholic values to support faith-based and informed decision-making
in young adults.

• O bjective 7.3: The Superintendent of Catholic Education will establish an annual calendar and format through which curricular alignment and articulation will be facilitated
between the middle schools and high school.

• Objective 7.4: The Superintendent of Catholic Education in collaboration with school leadership will identify opportunities to involve high-school teachers in the middle
schools through visiting-teacher initiatives, special-laboratory experiences with secondary teachers, language activities, etc.

• Objective 7.5: The Superintendent of Catholic Education in collaboration with school leadership and guidance personnel will identify means through which software or
other programs can be utilized with middle-school students to begin building a resume in grades seven and eight as part of early introduction into assessing personal
learning goals for transition to high school.

A Strategic Plan for Catholic Schools
Diocese of Colorado Springs 2015-2020

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GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP

Central to the mission of the Church is the work of Catholic-school education. The success of this mission depends on the key components of effective governance, which
provides direction or authority, and leadership, which ensures effective operations. Catholic-school governance and leadership can be seen as a ministry that promotes
and protects the responsibilities and rights of the school community. Governance and leadership based on the principles and practices of excellence are essential to ensuring
the Catholic identity, academic excellence, and operational vitality of the school. Although governance models vary based on the sponsorship of the school, those who serve
on the governing body or leadership team in Catholic schools provide an environment for the teaching of doctrine and Sacred Scripture, the building and experiencing of
community, the serving of others, and the opportunity for worship.

Excerpt from The National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools

GOAL 8

The Diocesan School Advisory Council will receive ongoing professional development in order to enhance its ability to provide policy direction and guidance for the Office of
Total Catholic Education in fulfilling its mission with regard to Catholic schools.

• O bjective 8.1: The Superintendent of Catholic Education will ensure that appropriate pre-service and in-service training is provided annually for members of the
Diocesan School Advisory Council and for all of the Council’s committees.

• Objective 8.2: The Superintendent of Catholic Education and the Diocesan School Advisory Council will ensure that the Office of Total Catholic Education operates with
clear statements of mission and vision for the Unified Catholic Schools in order to provide appropriate direction to planning efforts, policy development, and marketing
of the schools for enrollment and resources.

GOAL 9

The Office of Total Catholic Education, in collaboration with each pastor and chief administrator of each school, will establish consistent by-laws and committee charges
for School Advisory Councils.

• Objective 9.1: Through the Office of the Superintendent of Catholic Education, the Diocesan School Advisory Council will ensure consistency, appropriate delineation
of roles and responsibilities, and normative committee structures and functioning within the by-laws for each School Advisory Council.

• Objective 9.2: Each School Advisory Council will have a diverse membership consisting of up to 50% current parents of students in the school in order to broaden
involvement among alumni, parishioners, and other community stakeholders.

• Objective 9.3: The Superintendent of Catholic Education will enhance annual training and formation sessions for School Advisory Council and Committee members
with regard to specific responsibilities and effective functioning.

• Objective 9.4: The School Advisory Councils will operate with a normative committee structure that reflects and supports the National Standards and Benchmarks
for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools.

• Objective 9.5: The Office of Total Catholic Education will facilitate appropriate communication to ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities so that a constructive
and beneficial relationship exists among the Office, the Diocesan School Advisory Council, and school-governing bodies.

• Objective 9.6: The Diocesan School Advisory Council will establish a committee to investigate and recommend to the Bishop alternative-governance models
for the schools.

GOAL 10

The Office of Total Catholic Education and the Diocesan School Advisory Council will develop policies and plans to ensure professionalism at all levels of leadership for
Catholic education.

• Objective 10.1: The Superintendent of Catholic Education and the local school principals will be professionally prepared and experienced in the administration of Catholic
schools and in possession of appropriate state- and religious-education certifications.

• O bjective 10.2: The Superintendent of Catholic Education will provide professional development for the leadership team of pastors and school principals to enhance
their abilities to provide the leadership necessary to implement the schools’ strategic plans and National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary
and Secondary Schools.

• Objective 10.3: The Office of Total Catholic Education will nurture relationships with programs at Catholic and local colleges or universities for the purpose of recruitment
and development of future school leadership.

• Objective 10.4: The Office of Total Catholic Education will establish orientation and mentoring programs for new school administrators.

• Objective 10.5: The Superintendent of Catholic Education, in collaboration with the local pastors, will create individual professional development plans for each chief
administrator in line with the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Elementary and Secondary Schools.

• O bjective 10.6: The Superintendent of Catholic Education will establish ongoing programs for emerging leaders of Catholic schools.

FORWARD IN FAITH

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OPERATIONAL VITALITY

Catholic schools are temporal organizations committed to the Church and the mission of Catholic education including a commitment to a culture of excellence and rigor. These
schools exist in a milieu of constant socioeconomic challenges grounded in continuous need for sustainable financial planning, human resource/personnel management and
professional formation, facilities maintenance and enhancement, and the requirement for institutional advancement and contemporary communication. Catholic schools must
adopt and maintain standards for operational vitality in these areas and define the norms and expectations for fundamental procedures to support and ensure viability and
sustainability. When a school does not maintain standards for operational vitality, the continuation of academic excellence is in grave jeopardy. Over time, even an academically
rigorous school with strong Catholic identity will not survive without operational vitality. Standards for operational vitality must focus on the “operation” of the school – how it
works and how it is supported – in four key areas: finances, human resources/personnel, facilities, and institutional advancement.

Excerpt from The National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools

GOAL 11

The Office of Total Catholic Education, in collaboration with the Diocesan Finance Office, will review, and establish as appropriate, financial policies and procedures requiring long-
range financial plans, annual operating budgets, financial monitoring, and reporting.

• Objective 11.1: The Office of Total Catholic Education, in collaboration with the Diocesan Finance Office, will review, and establish as appropriate, a detailed chart of accounts
and reporting templates that will be used for all long-range financial planning, annual budgeting, and financial reporting.

• Objective 11.2: The Office of Total Catholic Education, in collaboration with the Diocesan Finance Office, will establish financial policies, procedures, and timelines requiring
long-range financial planning.

• O bjective 11.3: The Office of Total Catholic Education, in collaboration with the Diocesan Finance Office, will develop policies, procedures, and defined timelines for the
development and submission of annual operating budgets.

• Objective 11.4: Tuition rates will be based upon the annual November forecast and will not be announced until the Office of Total Catholic Education and the Diocesan
Finance Office review the forecast.

• O bjective 11.5: The Office of Total Catholic Education will require schools to submit quarterly and annual financial reports to both the Office of Total Catholic Education and
the Diocesan Finance Office.

• O bjective 11.6: The Office of Total Catholic Education will prepare and provide a summary of financial information in an Annual Report for the constituents of each school.

• O bjective 11.7: The Office of Total Catholic Education will establish a timeline, procedures, and accountability mechanisms for financial monitoring and for
financial analysis.

• Objective 11.8: The Office of Total Catholic Education will provide annual training for principals, pastors, business managers, and SAC members in the area of financial
management of Catholic schools.

• Objective 11.9: All school budgets will include funding for marketing and educational technology.

GOAL 12

The Diocese of Colorado Springs will acknowledge the important role that Catholic schools play in the religious education and faith formation of the young people of the Diocese
and will encourage all priests, pastors, and parishioners to contribute to their success through financial and moral support.

• Objective 12.1: All parishes will actively participate in the promotion of the importance of Catholic schools in passing on the faith to the young people of the Diocese.

• Objective 12.2: Parishes without schools will provide every opportunity to Catholic- school representatives to promote Catholic schools at their parishes, including speaking
at Masses and pre-baptismal instruction programs, distributing school promotional materials at various parish events, and speaking positively about the local Catholic
schools and Catholic education.

• Objective 12.3: All parishes will publish and support the manner by which all parishes contribute to the support of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Colorado Springs.

• Objective 12.4: Diocesan leadership will work together to ensure that a collaborative culture of support for Catholic education exists between and among all Diocesan
Offices and Parishes.

• Objective 12.5: The Diocese will consider conducting a capital campaign for the purpose of funding the renovation of school facilities, enhancing educational technology,
and supporting school scholarships and financial assistance.

• O bjective 12.6: The Office of Total Catholic Education will provide training for pastors, school administrators, and the School Advisory Councils for the conduct of programs of
annual giving designed to generate financial resources to support priority needs such as school operations, the enhancement of educational technology, the renovation of
facilities, endowment growth, and tuition assistance as appropriate.

• Objective 12.7: Each school will promote the growth of endowment and establish endowment funds as appropriate.

A Strategic Plan for Catholic Schools
Diocese of Colorado Springs 2015-2020

9

GOAL 13

The Office of Total Catholic Education will continue to work with the Diocesan Department of Human Resources to
ensure that human resource/personnel policies for school employees are consistent with Diocesan standards in
providing for appropriate role clarity, expectations, support, and accountability.

• Objective 13.1: The Office of Total Catholic Education will work with the Diocesan School Advisory Council
to ensure the achievement of a uniform system for determining and achieving just and competitive
compensation to support the ability of schools to attract and retain highly qualified staff.

• Objective 13.2: The Office of Total Catholic Education will collaborate with an ad-hoc committee of principals,
pastors, and SAC members to study succession planning and performance appraisal to ensure viability and
vitality of schools.

GOAL 14

The Office of Total Catholic Education and the Diocesan Properties and Construction Office will collaborate with school
leadership and governance to prepare comprehensive plans for each school for facilities utilization, maintenance,
and technology that ensure school environments that are attractive, safe, and equipped to support achievement of
educational objectives.

• Objective 14.1: The Office of Total Catholic Education, in collaboration with the Diocesan Properties and
Construction Office, will assess each school’s present facilities in respect to structural integrity, deferred
maintenance, building safety, security, and technology.

• Objective 14.2: The Office of Total Catholic Education will prepare and provide templates for facilities, safety,
maintenance, and technology plans to be incorporated as subsidiary components of each school’s strategic
plan.

• Objective 14.3: The Office of Total Catholic Education will use demographic, enrollment, facilities, and financial
data to determine an appropriate location and configuration of schools reflective of demand and the call to
provide for Catholic education as the best opportunity to educate children in the Faith.

• Objective 14.4: The Office of Total Catholic Education and Diocesan Finance Office will work with schools and
parishes to uphold the policy requiring annual funded depreciation ranging from 2% to 4% of each school’s
operating budget.

GOAL 15

The Office of Total Catholic Education will provide guidance and professional development to assist each school in
the establishment of an institutional-advancement program including marketing, communication, development and
fundraising, enrollment management, and alumni outreach.

• Objective 15.1: The Office of Total Catholic Education will establish and fund a Diocesan School Marketing and
Development position to develop a Diocesan school marketing plan and to assist individual schools to establish
and implement local school marketing programs for both image and enrollment.

• Objective 15.2: The Office of Total Catholic Education, through a Diocesan School Marketing and Development
position, will work with school leadership, Diocesan Development Offices, school leadership, and School
Advisory Councils to ensure that all marketing efforts are of professional quality.

• Objective 15.3: The Office of Total Catholic Education will assist school leadership and School Advisory Councils
to develop outreach programs to the military bases for the purpose of student recruitment.

• O bjective 15.4: The Office of Total Catholic Education will provide for professional training to all individuals and
groups who are engaged in school institutional- advancement activities.

• Objective 15.5: The Office of Total Catholic Education will provide training, support, and templates for each
school to prepare a long-range institutional-advancement plan as part of each school’s strategic plan.

• O bjective 15.6: The Office of Total Catholic Education will continue to collaborate with the Office of Hispanic
Ministry and pastors of parishes serving Hispanic/Latino populations to identify individuals with strong
connections to the Hispanic population in order to enlist their support to promote the local Catholic schools.