BC @ 125: A Strategic Plan for the Future

A Strategic Plan for the Future

BENEDICTINE Dear Friends of BC, Thanks to the support of such friends as you, Benedictine Military School has been able to respond to our Cadets’ future hopes, their spiritual needs and those of the Savannah community, most especially that of our alumni both here in Savannah and beyond. Our graduates continue to provide the leadership for our economy and inject a truly unique identity into the Savannah community that continues to serve as a source of pride for all of Savannah.

As this BC community turns to meet the challenges that will confront our next generation of Cadets, we once again begin to ask about our future needs in this evolving landscape. We began the process last year as we initiated the first phase of our Strategic Plan. This plan culminated in bringing our stakeholders together early in March and asking them to help identify BC’s future needs. The results of that March retreat form the basis of the enclosed Strategic Plan.

Our groups were divided into eight domains: Academics, Advancement, Catholic Identity, Enrollment, Facilities, Finance, Governance, and Student Life and Leadership. Their recommendations were bold and far reaching. Their focus was the needs of BC, not only in the immediate future but with an eye to aiding our next generation of Cadets.

As BC will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2027 we have the good fortune of looking optimistically into the years ahead. We are calling this plan “BC @ 125.” It is with great enthusiasm that we present this plan and seek the support which you have shown in years past. Your commitment to our Cadets has allowed them entrance to our nation’s most prestigious colleges and universities in record numbers. Your commitment has benefitted our Cadets who are pursuing trades and venturing into our Savannah community as well-prepared leaders. Your commitment has helped to support our student-athletes as they have moved on to play sports in college. Your commitment has benefitted all types of students and you have been instrumental in laying the groundwork for many promising careers and positions of leadership within our Savannah community, state, and nation. Thank you.

I am grateful beyond words for your support to BC during these past years.

Thank you for your sacrifices and commitments. May God’s Blessing be with all.

Sincerely,

Fr. Frank Ziemkiewicz, O.S.B. Headmaster

M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T

Benedictine Military School is a Catholic, Benedictine, college preparatory school which forms and educates young men from diverse backgrounds, supports a deeper commitment to their faith, prepares them for life through a quality academic program, and instills leadership skills through a JROTC program, athletics, extra-curricular activities and community service.

Through instruction and discipline, we seek to form men of virtue and integrity who are prepared for life-long learning and service to their faith and civic communities.

SAINT BENEDICT

With great compassion, I will gather you. With everlasting love, I will have compassion on you.

Isaiah 54: 7-8

BENEDICTINE Benedictine Military School has launched its next five-year strategic plan to cast the vision for BC. This process is a participative and collaborative effort, and we are most grateful to our stakeholders for providing us with your perspective as we carefully study our future, taking a strategic look at these domains: Academics, Advancement, Catholic Identity, Enrollment, Facilities, Finance, Governance, Student Life, and Leadership. Your input is vital to our school’s success.

THE “BC @ 125” STRATEGIC PLANNING TIMELINE April 20, 2023: Strategic Planning Leadership meets in Benedictine Military School’s Alumni Hall to discuss BC’s next phase of growth.

May 28, 2023: Benedictine Military School launches Strategic Plan introduction video featuring BC Headmaster Fr. Frank Ziemkiewicz, O.S.B. August 17, 2023: Key volunteers and staff members gather for lunch in Benedictine Military School’s Alumni Hall to review the strategic planning process.

October 30, 2023: Stakeholders participate in a roundtable discussion in the BC Cafeteria as part of Benedictine Military School’s strategic planning process.

November 7, 2023: Partners in Mission’s Kathleen Casey and Mary Claire Kasunic visit BC to meet Steering Committee Chair Robert Chandis and Fr. Frank Ziemkiewicz, O.S.B. March 1-2, 2024: Strategic Planning Workshop is conducted at BC. June 2024: Finishing touches are put on Strategic Plan publication.

August 2024: Strategic Plan publication draft goes to print.

September 16, 2024: Benedictine Miliary School Board of Directors approves BC @ 125 Strategic Plan publication.

September 17, 2024: BC @ 125 Final Printing.

October 1, 2024: State of the School Address and BC @ 125 Strategic Plan is unveiled to the public.

STRATEGIC PLANNING B E N E D ISTEERING C T I N E COMMITTEE

Co-Chairs Robert Chandis William Shearouse ‘66 Academics Carrie Jane Williamson (Chair) Dr. Jacob Horne, Principal (Liaison) Advancement Avis Coleman P ’17, ’19, ’20 (Chair) Tim Nelson, Director of Advancement (Liaison) Catholic Identity Fr. John Lyons ’70 (Chair) Fr. David Klecker, O.S.B., Assistant Headmaster (Liaison) Enrollment Tim Blanco ’95, P’28 (Chair) Brennan Lemieux ’01, Director of Admissions and Enrollment (Liaison) Facilities Jack Robertson ’82, P’15 (Chair) Barbara Evans, CFO/COO (Liaison) Finance Kevin Halligan ’93, P’25 (Chair) Barbara Evans, CFO/COO (Liaison) Governance Chris Phillips ’79, P’13 (Chair) Fr. Frank Ziemkiewicz, O.S.B., Headmaster (Liaison) Student Life and Leadership Ron McGee ’78, P’20 (Co-Chair) Pat Parker ’83, P’10 (Co-Chair) Kevin Farmer ’92, Assistant Principal (Co-Liaison) LTC Stephen Suhr P’21, P’28, JROTC Senior Army Instructor (Co-Liaison)

ACADEMICS

DOMAIN: ACADEMICS Strategic Goal: To form young men of discipline and integrity in accordance with the Rule of St. Benedict and to help them succeed in their future endeavors, Benedictine Military School will provide a differentiated and rigoro academic program that meets the needs of Cadets through small class sizes and meaningful student-teacher relationships.

Objectives: To realize this goal, Benedictine Military School will…

• Commit to student-teacher ratios that support and enhance the educational experience of the 21st century Cadet.

• Continue to analyze and assess standardized test results.

• Communicate and promote academic programs and achievements of our Cadets and alumni.

A D VA N C E M E N T

DOMAIN: ADVANCEMENT Strategic Goal: The Advancement Office will lead the effort to engage and educate the entire Benedictine community in creating a culture of philanthropy, strengthening affinity, and increasing resources for school priorities.

Objectives: To realize this goal, Benedictine Military School will…

• Communicate the importance of supporting the Benedictine Annual Fund.

• Build a pool of prospective planned giving donors to help grow the endowment.

• Align with the other domains to determine funding needed for priority capital projects to meet the goals of the strategic plan.

C AT H O L I C I D E N T I T Y

DOMAIN: CATHOLIC IDENTITY Strategic Goal: Benedictine will provide and enhance its charism and Catholic identity through daily and monthly devotions, theological teachings, retreats, and adherence to Catholic teachings, while supporting and nurturing students of all faiths.

Objectives: To realize this goal, Benedictine Military School will…

• Examine the needs of the school to implement and promote areas where Benedictine monks may be included into BC’s programs.

These opportunities would be offered as a personal invitation for monks to serve our students.

• Benedictine will explore ways to establish a sacred space designed to accommodate the entire student body, faculty, and guests for Mass and other religious services.

• Benedictine will enhance campus ministry to foster spiritual growth through student services.

ENROLLMENT

DOMAIN: ENROLLMENT Strategic Goal: Benedictine will optimize enrollment by attracting, enrolling, and retaining a community of qualified students who, along with their parents, feel they belong.

Objectives: To realize this goal, Benedictine Military School will…

• Expand the Benedictine Brotherhood to the greater community.

• Enhance marketing and communications’ messaging to represent the Benedictine experience more accurately, both during enrollment and beyond.

• Develop the components of a strategic communication plan representing our current tuition model and financial aid distribution, and how they may be better used as a strategic enrollment and retention tool.

FA C I L I T I E S

DOMAIN: FACILITIES Strategic Goal: Benedictine will continually review, plan, and invest in existing and future facilities and technologies to optimize current spaces and provide first-class facilities for the needs of students, faculty, staff, and the Benedictine community.

Objectives: To realize this goal, Benedictine Military School will…

• Develop, complete, and continuously update a Master Plan that encompasses expansion, renovation, security, and maintenance of current infrastructure to include input from stakeholders.

• Maximize leased land opportunities that serve the needs of the school.

• Create and implement a deferred maintenance plan that supports budgeting and forecasting.

FINANCE

DOMAIN: FINANCE Strategic Goal: Benedictine will update and ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures that enhance our solid fiscal operation to ensure the ongoing viability and vitality of the school while meeting the shortand long- term needs of our changing demographic, economic, and social conditions.

Objectives: To realize this goal, Benedictine Military School will…

• Explore ways to identify and drive additional revenue streams and continue to manage operating expenses.

• Explore traditional and creative approaches to grow the endowment.

• Perform regular financial analysis to assure solid fiscal health.

GOVERNANCE

DOMAIN: GOVERNANCE Strategic Goal: The Benedictine Military School’s Board of Limited Jurisdiction will ensure the school’s operation in conformity with its Mission Statement.

Objectives: To realize this goal, Benedictine Military School will…

• Promote, expand, and publish accurate information concerning the home rule status of governance, finance, and support of BC on the local level.

• Establish a formalized process for the selection, onboarding, training, and succession of Board members.

• Delineate and communicate the relationship between the various governing bodies for oversight of the overall operation of the school and its components, as well as their respective duties and responsibilities.

STUDENT LIFE AND LEADERSHIP

DOMAIN: STUDENT LIFE AND LEADERSHIP Strategic Goal: Benedictine will promote holistic co-curricular programs to enhance every student’s spiritual, social, physical, and emotional wellbeing while developing young men of character who are servant leaders prepared for life’s challenges in school and beyond.

Objectives: To realize this goal, Benedictine Military School will…

• Establish and enforce a policy to communicate firm, fair, and consistent expectations for behavior on and off campus to all stakeholders to maintain its positive public identity.

• In collaboration with the PTO and the BC Alumni Association, create well-defined volunteer opportunities with clear expectations that will serve student needs, particularly with extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.

• Explore opportunities and funding for expanded pathways in leadership development.

BENEDICTINE

CHARACTER

SPIRITUALITY

BENEDICTINE

PURPOSE

BROTHERHOOD

THANK YOU to everyone in our Benedictine Military School family who contributed your time, talent, and resources to our BC @ 125 Strategic Plan process.

We are extremely grateful for your participation!