Strategic Plan Summary

Strategic Plan: A Summary

1. Mission and Catholic Identity

The two-fold objective of Cathedral Catholic’s Strategic Plan is (1) to achieve exceptional student educational experiences and outcomes and (2) to ensure an atmosphere rich in Catholic identity–the formation of the whole person in mind, body and soul.

Those who prepared the Strategic Plan recognize that these two goals cannot be achieved solely in the classroom. The plan therefore sets forth standards and benchmarks not only for classroom instruction and academic pursuits, but also for students’ spiritual studies, prayer, reflection, growth and opportunities for faith in action through service to the community outside the classroom.

The Strategic Plan also recognizes the integral role of parents and school employees in a student’s academic, intellectual, emotional and spiritual development. In that vein, the plan offers Cathedral Catholic parents and employees similar opportunities for spiritual study, growth, renewal and service, thereby enabling them to more effectively encourage, guide and participate in their student’s faith life and growth into the whole person–mind, body and spirit–that God intended.

2. Governance and Leadership

Central to Cathedral Catholic High School’s continued vitality and success is an effective, accountable and trustworthy system of governance and leadership. To that end, the Strategic Plan sets forth standards and benchmarks demarcating clear lines of responsibility and authority. The plan contains a ladder for decision-making and sets forth guidelines to promote reflection, consultation, collaboration, transparency and effective communication to all constituents of decisions, changes or new initiatives.

Standards and benchmarks are set forth in the plan for oversight of personnel, including recruitment, growth, professional development and assessment, and for continued assessment of curriculum and instruction.

The plan clearly articulates the school’s mission and vision and identifies steps to foster a school culture embodying that mission and vision.

3. Academic Excellence

Over the years, much talent, hard work, innovation, trial-and-error and regular self-assessments have earned Cathedral Catholic a reputation for rigorous, effective, inclusive and highly competitive academic programs. The school does not take its reputation for granted, and the Strategic Plan details actions and programs that school leaders, faculty and counselors will implement to preserve and improve students’ learning and advancement.

As part of the Strategic Plan, deans and department heads will work together to identify key academic skills (writing composition, for example) that warrant mapping, integrating and tracking across departments. Methods will be developed to more effectively capture classroomobservation data and measure student engagement as well.

A final important component of the plan is the creation of a wellness program for Cathedral Catholic students, families and employees.

4. Operational Vitality

Achieving Cathedral Catholic’s vision, mission and goals depends on sound practices and procedures in its operations, principally in the areas of finance, human resources, facilities and school advancement.

In the area of finance, the Strategic Plan sets forth a three-year financial plan addressing tuition rates, school employee compensation levels, family tuition assistance, endowment fund increases and improved financial transparency with all school stakeholders.

In the human resources area, the school will, in consultation with the diocese, human resources personnel and legal counsel, review and update all school handbooks, policies and job descriptions.

In collaboration with the Directors of Facilities, a comprehensive Facilities Management Plan will be generated to guide campus maintenance projects, including updates and improvements to school buildings and grounds.

The school’s Advancement Office includes admissions, alumni, fundraising and marketing and communications. The Director of Admissions facilitated a year-long enrollment study. The report’s recommendations will direct school enrollment goals and outreach efforts. The Strategic Plan also delineates specific tasks, focus and goals for alumni, fundraising and marketing and communications.