Aspirations 2028_Strategic Plan

Aspirations 2028: The 2023-2028 School Strategic Plan

Aspiration is more than just a goal. Aspiration is a passion, a desire, and a longing to grow and achieve. Aspiration means wanting to be a part of something special. Those who are a part of St. Benedict Preparatory School know there is something special here. It’s our responsibility to be good stewards of God’s gift entrusted to us. At St. Benedict Preparatory School, our students and staff aspire to learn fearlessly, lead responsibly and serve joyfully.

Aspiration starts when young students explore the wonders of God’s creation in early childhood. Aspiration grows as our primary and intermediate grade students develop essential skills to create, communicate and think. By the time our eighth graders graduate and move on to high school, they have been prepared to be aspirational models of learning, faith and service. Our teachers, working alongside school parents, plant and nurture the seeds of wonder, curiosity, creativity and faith so that our students can develop their God-given gifts.

The St. Benedict family built and supported a parish school that continues to thrive and meet the changing demands of our time. As a result, we have a rich tradition of excellence at St. Benedict Prep. This should embolden us to reach higher to achieve even greater success with God’s grace and help. We aspire to build upon the success of our school’s history. Working together to implement this strategic plan, aligned with the vision and mission of our school, ensures a bright future for the students and families who will one day join the St. Benedict Prep family.

It has been a tremendous blessing to be inspired by the wise and faith-filled people dedicated to the success of the strategic planning process. The members of the SBPS advisory board, SBPS stakeholders, and the parish and school staff provided bold ideas and constructive feedback over the past two years. As a result, this final document is not a page out of a corporate playbook of mission and vision, rather it is a living document created through thousands of hours of hard work and prayer. It is the product of a collaborative process that allowed for God’s guiding hand.

Through this strategic plan we are rededicating our purpose to provide a Catholic education worthy of our students. The past several years have presented many challenges, several of which we are still facing along with new ones which will certainly emerge. This plan offers a road map to address the opportunities and challenges we will encounter. I invite you to read this plan and identify areas that you can best contribute for future success of St. Benedict Preparatory School. The work ahead of us will only bear fruit if we are all invested in its aspirations.

On behalf of our current and future Bengals, thank you for the many ways you support us. We look forward to seeing the fruits of our labor and how they will impact the lives of our students here at Saint Benedict Prep in years to come.

St. Pope John Paul II said, “Catholic education is above all a question of communicating Christ, of helping to form Christ in the lives of others.” In a world that sorely needs to know Christ, Catholic education is relevant and necessary more than ever. We are called as a Catholic community to strengthen our parish school. It is our responsibility, with the help of God, to fulfill our mission at St. Benedict Preparatory School. This strategic plan is a critical step in aspiring to bring exceptional Catholic education to our community both now and the future.

May God continue to bless us all,

Father Stephen Kanonik, Pastor

Ms. Rachel Gemo, Head of School

Exceptional Catholic Education: Something Worth Aspiring To

St. Benedict has a rich history rooted in Catholic education and community service. We stand in a strong position to think critically about the future to ensure a continued bold trajectory in this ever-dynamic and evolving educational environment. Our faculty, parents, students, staff and community came together to author SBPS 2028 Strategic Plan which will guide us and evolve over the next 5 years. The aspirations of our plan focus on academics, culture, financial vitality, sound facilities and marketing.

Mission: St. Benedict Preparatory School continues a century-long tradition of superior education in a vibrant Catholic community. We recognize that each student’s God-given gifts hold unique value, potential, and dignity. Our city block campus offers preschool through grade 8 programs to the parish, the Northside of Chicago, and all those who share our mission. With a focus on critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration, the St. Benedict Parish faculty and staff, in partnership with parents, develop the creators and contributors of tomorrow inspired by faith and informed with a global perspective. We are a welcoming and supportive community with Christ at our center. A commitment to inclusive and rigorous challenge creates a dynamic, innovative, and active learning experience in which the needs of the whole student are met. At St. Benedict Preparatory School, the strengths of each child become an inspiration to others to learn fearlessly, to lead responsibly, and to serve joyfully.

Vision: St. Benedict Preparatory School will be known for the innovative approach and transformative power of its Catholic education.

The Strategic Plan contains a set of five Aspirational Statements that reflect our school community’s values and are envisioned to assist the Pastor, Administration, and Advisory Board in its planning and decision-making process. Supporting each aspirational statement are defined goals and objectives to provide a roadmap for achieving our vision. Each is intended to be independently achievable, while complimenting each other, providing an integrated strategy.

Values for the Plan: As a lens through which we will view the implementation of this plan, the following guidelines in the context of our mission will be used to determine how we will evaluate, prioritize, and respond to challenges as they arise:

Faith - Our Catholic faith and values will be evident in our behavior, academics, extracurricular activities and interactions with each other and in the community

Inclusivity - We will honor the humanity in all of God’s creation. We will seek diverse representation and thought from our staff, faculty and student body. We will recognize and respect a variety of cultures in our curriculum, extracurricular activities, on our campus, and through our community events. We will cultivate a culture of acceptance and belonging.

The Whole Child - We commit to compelling and rigorous academics with innovative, active learning experiences, which are developmentally appropriate, and appreciate the gifts and talents of each child. Our extra curricular activities will help supplement classroom learning to meet the changing demands of graduates while satisfying students’ interests and passions.

Financial health and sustainability – We will take actions that endeavor to protect the financial health and preservation of our incredible “Block” campus, including all facilities, while planning for long term sustainability of the School and Parish.

It is through these values that we will live our Mission and Vision as we execute the SPBS 2028 Strategic Plan. We will work towards our 5 Aspirational Statements concerning academics, facilities, financial stability, community and marketing by striving to achieve the goals listed within each statement. This will be an dynamic process, but one which will ensure a stronger school, community and parish in 2028.

Living Our Mission

Talent Development

Aspirational Statement: To cultivate well-rounded students who are challenged academically and primed for future studies, developed meaningful relationships with classmates, teammates, faculty and staff, and are ready to engage and create new possibilities for our world.

Goal #1: SBPS will further align a clearly articulated curriculum with relevant and rigorous standards, contemporary skills and Gospel values building on the educational excellence our students already enjoy.

Objective #1: SBPS will create and implement standards-based instruction, assessment and reporting for grades PK-8 in all content areas.

Objective #2: SBPS will create and implement a life-skills program for grades PK-8 integrating concepts such as job readiness, financial planning, independent living, home management and resiliency.

Objective #3: SBPS will support curriculum for full spectrum of learners to provide academic challenges and inclusion resources and to build a welcoming and inclusive community for all students.

Goal #2: Faculty will collaborate in professional learning communities to develop, implement, assess, and continuously improve the effectiveness of the curriculum and instruction to result in high levels of student achievement.

Objective #1: SBPS will revise its new teacher induction and mentoring program to meet the needs of new faculty.

Objective #2: Faculty and staff will deliver and engage in high quality professional development to support strategic planning initiatives and be accountable for implementation that supports all student academic learning and growth in faith formation, which are evidenced through targeted assessment.

Objective #3: SBPS will strengthen university partnerships to enhance professional practice as well as establish a pipeline for future SBPS teachers.

Goal #3: Building on our consistent use of technology, SBPS will develop and adopt a shared vision for using technology to improve student success, informed by the learning sciences and best practices according to ISTE standards.

Objective #1: SBPS technology committee and key staff will develop a 3-5 year technology plan to ensure that SBPS provides a future-ready, secure and flexible technology infrastructure to support student learning and teacher effectiveness.

Objective #2: SBPS teachers will set professional learning goals to explore and apply emerging pedagogical approaches made possible by technology and reflect on their effectiveness.

Objective #3: SBPS will enhance our STEM program for grades PK-8 integrating the key technology skills: digital citizenship, knowledge constructor, innovative designer, computational thinker, creative communicator and global collaborator.

“SBPS will provide valuable opportunities for students to enrich their learning and leadership experience through offerings of fine arts, athletics, clubs, and activities.”

A Place for Each Person

Aspirational Statement: To promote the continued faith, health and vibrancy of the SBPS community and culture by anticipating, empathetically understanding, and proactively adapting to the ever-changing needs of our students and families, our team, and the community.

Goal #1: SBPS Advisory Board’s committees’ organization and delegated responsibilities will support the attainment of the goals and objectives in the new strategic plan.

Objective #1: Board leadership will determine and implement committees needed in order to support the successful implementation of the strategic plan (I.e. technology, diversity and inclusion, etc.)

Objective #2: Board leadership will distinguish goal setting, communication and self-evaluation tools, and enable implementation teams to support the successful implementation of the strategic plan.

Goal #2: SBPS will develop a plan to create a school culture that supports equity, diversity, and inclusion for SBPS students, families and staff that reflects our diverse society and integrates our Catholic values.

Objective #1: SBPS will establish a place for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion clearly outlining role, goals, benchmarks and self-evaluation processes.

Objective #2: SBPS faculty, staff and families will improve their awareness, knowledge and skills of equity, diversity and inclusion issues necessary for effective instruction, cultural sensitivity, and modeling of Gospel values.

Objective #3: SBPS will develop strategies to recruit talent, donors and resources from diverse backgrounds.

Goal #3: SBPS will transform our school community into a place where all will thrive and grow emotionally and spiritually as they recognize their value in an ever-changing global community with a Catholic world view.

Objective #1: SBPS will design instruction to intentionally address the affective dimensions of learning, such as intellectual and social dispositions, relationship building, habits of mind, and emotions.

Objective #2: Every SBPS student will participate in a service program to promote the lived reality of action in service of social justice. All adults in the community are invited to assist.

Objective #3: SBPS will provide opportunities outside the classroom for student faith formation and participation in liturgical and communal prayer. All adults in the community are invited to assist.

Goal #4: SBPS will provide valuable opportunities for students to enrich their learning and leadership experience through offerings of fine arts, athletics, clubs, and activities.

Objective #1: SBPS will create a job description for a Director of Student Life who will oversee the implementation of a rich co-curricular and extra-curricular program.

Objective #2: SBPS will assess the interests and needs of the school community and implement extracurricular and summer programming to enrich the lives of all SBPS students.

Goal #5: SBPS will systematize the policies and procedures of the school’s organization and operations to ensure fidelity to mission, continuity and sustainability through leadership successions.

Objective #1: SBPS will revise the organizational chart and role descriptions to reflect the goals of this strategic plan.

Objective #2: SBPS will determine and implement an internal strategy for identifying and developing future leaders at all levels.

“SBPS will design and implement a plan to create a consistent and impactful aesthetic experience for interior and exterior spaces.”

Facilities for the Future

Aspirational Statement: To expand and evolve spaces across the campus that are innovative, safe, and engaging, inspire student use and learning, serve multiple needs, and maximize long-term benefit to SBPS PK-8 students and families.

Goal 1: SBPS will develop and implement a prioritized facilities plan to address immediate and upcoming needs for space utilization, regular and deferred maintenance, safety and security.

Objective #1: SBPS will design and implement a prioritized and calendarized master plan for the regular and deferred maintenance needs of school buildings and grounds to include timelines, accountability, and cost estimates for addressing physical plant issues and enhance understanding of useful life of major campus assets.

Objective #2: SBPS will review the Council on Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) report to determine if, how and when remaining items graded D, F or X can be effectively addressed, and develop a calendarized plan with cost estimates to begin addressing selected items.

Goal #2: SBPS will develop a plan to maximize the purposeful use and flexibility of all campus buildings.

Objective #1: SBPS will design and implement a plan that evolves utility of spaces from our previous PK – high school system to our PK – 8 school system by identifying current use, current needs, and future needs of facilities

Objective #2: SBPS will implement a plan to address storage needs by evaluating current storage locations and current content of useful stored items.

Goal #3: SBPS will enhance and maintain an attractive, entertaining, and welcoming campus

Objective #1: SBPS will design and implement a plan to create a consistent and impactful aesthetic experience for interior and exterior spaces.

Objective #2: SBPS will design and implement a plan to amplify school spirit and tradition within the buildings.

Providing Our Mission

Thoughtful Stewardship

Aspirational Statement: To make strategic investments in operational infrastructure, technology, and curriculum that enhance the capacity of our faculty and staff to develop professionally and to respond with agility to future needs of students.

Goal #1: St. Benedict Preparatory School will develop and implement a comprehensive long-range financial plan that includes best case, worst case, and probable case scenarios that is annually updated, informed by the ongoing analysis of financial data, attentive to providing competitive salaries, and supported by regular audit procedures.

Objective #1: On an annual basis, the SBPS Advisory Board Finance Committee will review the school operating budget and model projected budgets to analyze probable scenarios and recommend tuition adjustments for Board approval to ensure that SBPS operates with financial stability and sustainability.

Objective #2: The SPBS Advisory Board will ensure accurate and comprehensive financial planning scenarios by documenting timelines for maintenance and renovation projects, communicating with parish for shared facilities, and collaborating with HSA plans to fund projects and repairs.

Goal #2: SBPS will attract and retain quality Catholic teachers by offering a variety of employee incentives including professional development, compensation, benefits, and stipend opportunities.

Goal #3: SBPS will design and implement a comprehensive advancement plan to ensure that the positive perception of the school is maintained throughout the community and to attract human, financial, and in-kind resources necessary to support the continuous implementation and growth of the mission of the school.

Objective #1: SBPS will create a job description for a Director of Development who will be responsible for developing a comprehensive advancement program engaging alumni, parents, families, community, and other funding partners in annual, major, and planned giving activity as well as events, and grants, to support ongoing costs as well as build the endowment.

Objective #2: SBPS will establish alumni programs to celebrate alumni accomplishments, promote school effectiveness, generate philanthropic investment, and build a network to help alumni stay connected to the parish and school.

Objective #3: SBPS will establish a constituent database to maintain and collect relevant information via a third-party platform to create an ongoing community of connection, service, and giving in support of SBPS.

Goal #4: SBPS will maintain sustainable revenue structures and a strong financial framework while pursuing new revenue sources to support evolving and rigorous curriculum, retain and provide development opportunities for teachers, and build community among school families.

Objective #1: SBPS will explore new income earning opportunities through our resources and partnerships; these might include the reutilization of campus spaces, camps, tax credit scholarships and other services to youth in the community.

Objective #2: SBPS will explore opportunities to reduce spending with creative cost saving measures that will not impede the overall quality of a SBPS student or staff member experience.

“SBPS will attract and retain quality Catholic teachers by offering a variety of employee incentives including professional development, compensation, benefits, and stipend opportunities”

“Quote here about Leading Resposibly?”

“SBPS is known for its vibrant educational culture, faith formation, student development, teacher professionalism, leadership success, and engaged school community.”

Sharing our Story

Aspirational Statement: To be recognized as a leading Catholic school in the City of Chicago, known for its vibrant educational culture, faith formation, student development, teacher professionalism, leadership success, and engaged school community.

Goal #1: SBPS will enact a comprehensive plan for mission advancement based on our compelling mission through communications to internal and external stakeholders

Objective #1: SBPS will evaluate the school’s current website and implement a redesign based on current website design practices and expectations of online resources for current and potential school families.

Objective #2 SBPS will evaluate current School Information System (FACTS) and determine which components would be serve our internal stakeholders for effective communication.

Goal #2: SBPS will enact a comprehensive plan for mission advancement based on our compelling mission through marketing and enrollment management.

Objective #1: SBPS will revise current Director of Admissions and Enrollment Job Description and make a strategic hire for this position.

Objective #2: SBPS will implement a plan that utilizes contemporary, multiple information technologies (such as social media platforms) to reach targeted audiences.

Objective #3: SBPS will evaluate current marketing plan and update best practices that reflect the current and future demographic trends and needs of the community.

Objective #4: SBPS will create a Parent Ambassador plan for continual recruitment, training, and program evaluation.

Objective #5: SBPS will increase preschool enrollment to six or more classrooms through expanded community outreach and differentiation of the SBPS preschool curriculum and opportunities from other neighborhood options.

Objective #6: SBPS will maintain and expand comprehensive offerings in academic curriculum, extracurriculars, camps, athletics, extended care, and community building activities to retain each preschool student for SBPS kindergarten to retain students at every grade level and to welcome new students across grade levels.

2022-2023 SCHOOL ADVISORY BOARD

Mary Jo Brown

Laura Burns

Julie Dzamba

Indira Doran

Heather Edgar

Molly Eskew

Michael Gerlach

Jen Guidi

Paige Harvey

Ben Hoban

Dea Hughes

Amanda Johnson

Nick Kirchberg

Rebecca Kohmescher

Ray Koukari

Rick Milton

Michael Marrion

Meredith Morales

Deanna O’Connell

Casey Reidy

Ralph Rivas

Dave Roock

Sarah Roxworthy

Matt Schick

Julie Simpson

Jennifer Sirken

Diana VanDegrift