Federation Begins Second School Year

Post date: Sep 9, 2011 6:31:23 PM

Leaders Continue Toward Goals and Relationship Building

The Federation of Catholic Schools has completed its first year, and the pastors of the eleven member parishes are set to renew the agreement. The parishes have committed a combined total of $60,000 to fund the activities and programs of the Federation. In addition, the Catholic Education Office provides funding for a part-time Director of Advancement position. In alignment with Archbishop Carlson’s Mission Advancement Initiative, work of the Federation will continue toward achieving four main goals:

· To increase the viability, affordability, and accessibility of Catholic elementary schools and thereby achieve a greater degree of stability and sustainability

· To enhance the Catholic identity, academic programs, activity programs, and special programs of the Catholic elementary schools

· To establish ways and means for better capitalizing on and responding to the changing realities of increased diversity

· To establish ways and means for achieving greater efficiency and effectiveness among the schools by sharing resources, programs, and local policies where desirable

Beyond funding, schools and parishes are investing a significant amount of time and resources in support of working together for the benefit of the children in our schools. The leadership team (Pastor and Principal Representatives and Director of Advancement) meets monthly. Principals also meet monthly to plan and review activities of the Federation, and Pastors and Principals have quarterly decision-making meetings. More parishioners are getting involved through participation in newly formed Commission on Marketing and Advancement, which meets for the first time on September 22nd. Other Commissions are likely to be formed in important areas such as Finance. For more information about the Federation of Catholic Schools in the NE Deanery, please visit www.FederationofCatholicSchools.org.