DIOCESE—Members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, spent a sunny Saturday morning taking up the weighty issue of vision, governance and enrollment for Catholic schools.

The ongoing strategic planning process, now called “Faith Forward, Building our Blueprint for Catholic Schools,” was the centerpiece of the DPC’s regular meeting June 11.

Michael Kagan, diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools, and Alan Meitler, principal consultant for the strategic study, formally presented the data and findings report to the DPC. Kagan and Meitler lead the discussion for Bishop David Malloy and DPC members.

Members received copies of the report to study before the meeting. At the session, they were asked for reactions to the preliminary vision for Catholic schools prepared by the Meitler group based on the data report.

DPC members were also asked to consider and respond to these questions:

â–º Does the traditional governance model for Catholic elementary schools still work or should a new relationship be forged between pastors, education commissions, parishes and schools?

â–º What adjustments need to be considered so Catholic elementary schools operate with sustainable enrollments and deliver an excellent Catholic school education?

â–º How could schools collaborate with other schools?

â–º What is the future viability of schools that do not make progress in operating at a healthy capacity of 90 percent?

For about three hours members discussed these questions and asked questions of their own. They also presented considerations to be included in the plan as it is refined and completed in the coming months.  
DPC members asked for the final plan to address concerns such as more defined leadership roles in Catholic school governance; more catechesis and training for Catholic school teachers in their respective subject areas;  sustained marketing of Catholic schools; alternative forms of Catholic school structures; diversity among students and staffs; and more accomodations for those with special needs in the areas of learning style and economic status.

DPC also suggested soliciting feedback from education professionals who are Catholic but not affiliated or employed in the diocesan Catholic school system.

Suggestions and concerns  from the DPC will be added to the ongoing feedback used to construct the final plan recommendations.

According to Meitler and  Kagan, the next step in the process is meeting with pastors, principals and educational leaders in three cities — Rockford, Elgin and Aurora — to learn about specific findings affecting those communities.

“The discussion was very good,” said DPC executive secretary, Dr. Mike Cieslak, “with councilors showing good insights into the challenging issues surrounding our Catholic school system, and suggesting ways to move forward in proactive ways.”