We are pleased to present to you a three-year strategic plan which builds on a history of more than 180 years of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Buffalo. It is our sincere hope that this plan will strengthen not just our Catholic elementary schools, but also our Church and community as it offers us Faith in Tomorrow.
Download the complete 40 page report
This strategic planning process culminates extensive research of Church documents and the thoughtful investigation of strategic plans produced by other dioceses. It builds on the work of Meitler Consultants and Verdi & Company, who researched the current state of Catholic schools, and the demographics and financial realities of the eight counties of Western New York. Input from hundreds of individuals helped to shape the planning process. We are grateful to the John R. Oishei Foundation for their financial support of this process.
The research confirmed that our Catholic schools continue to provide academic excellence, maintaining a 99 percent high school graduation rate. Additionally, in a spiritually sound environment, our students are well prepared to be responsible members of their community. However, the data overwhelmingly indicates that our present network of Catholic schools in its current configuration is financially unsustainable. This plan is designed to reverse this trend.
Faith in Tomorrow has the unqualified support of Bishop Edward U. Kmiec, bishop of Buffalo. Read the bishop's letter.
Nine committees led by members of the diocesan Catholic School Advisory Council identified and focused on seven key result areas for strengthening our schools:
• Catholic Identity
• Organizational Structure and Leadership
• Finances
• Academic Excellence
• Marketing and Communications
• Facilities and Transportation
• Health and Human Services
Strategic planning is a process and every goal, strategy and action plan outlined in this plan will be assigned a team leader, a specific completion date, appropriate resources and methods of assessment. The Diocese of Buffalo Catholic School Advisory Council will oversee the implementation process and regular reports on the progress will be made to the entire community.
We invite you to read these pages with an open mind and heart. Change is never easy, but with change comes exciting opportunities to strengthen and expand Catholic schools for our children and grandchildren. We cannot dwell on the past, but must carry our traditions of excellence into the future.
Dr. Paul Wietig
Co-Chair, Catholic Schools Advisory Council
Carol A. Kostyniak
Secretary for Catholic Education, Diocese of Buffalo
Dr. Rosemary J. Henry
Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Buffalo