In March, as Covid-19 cases rose dramatically from Seattle to New York City, Catholic school principals and teachers worked tirelessly to transition to remote teaching and learning and diocesan schools’ offices worked to support schools in making this dramatic shift. One very real fear of superintendents, pastors, and principals was that parents would question the value of a Catholic education delivered online and choose to stop paying tuition or worse yet, not re-register for the 20-21 school year. Exacerbated by a skyrocketing unemployment rate, many families were faced with a choice: pay the rent and put food on the table or pay their child’s tuition.
In the midst of this challenge and uncertainty, the St. Vincent de Paul community in Salem, Oregon began a transformation to a dual language immersion Catholic school. A severely under-enrolled school, SVDP had less than 70 students as it concluded the 19-20 school year. In April, weeks into Covid-19 and with dangerously unsustainable enrollment as well as significant financial challenges, the Pastor and Superintendent chose to risk a resurrection rather than settle for a death. The process of transformation called for tough decisions, which were made by the Pastor and supported by the Superintendent and Archbishop. Leadership chose to trim grade levels and re-start the school with PS/PK through Grade 5 only and put middle school students in a pipeline to the 6-12 Catholic MS-HS. They also chose to let go all staff with the opportunity for all staff to interview for the new school model. The process of transformation called for commitment. A representative stakeholder group met weekly for four months, including: pastor, parishioners and parents, funders and marketers, diocesan leaders and led by a consultant. This group held dual language immersion information sessions, communicated tirelessly with parents and parishioners, developed a new brand and new website including online registration, reimagined school finances including a bold shift to cost-based tuition and need-based tuition assistance, thoroughly purged, cleaned, painted, and refurnished classrooms, and added fresh exterior paint to complete the visual makeover. The process of transformation called for investment. Funders rightfully requested a plan of action for the school; they listened to a presentation on the dual language model, asked excellent questions about the likelihood of success and financial sustainability. Credible sources within the community came forward to back the transition of the school, showing their commitment as valued members of the weekly stakeholder meetings. In addition, a SWOT analysis, thorough feasibility study including an assessment of local public and private school competitors, and a 6-year budget projection were completed. As a result, individuals, family and community foundations generously contributed funds for capital improvements, materials, and financial assistance. This process of transformation called for an investment in human capital. The Archbishop, in consultation with the Superintendent approved the bylaws and membership of the inaugural Board of Limited Jurisdiction. This is an exciting shift in governance with a membership capable of investment and influence to direct the school’s transition and future. The Superintendent, in consultation with the Pastor, hired a new principal; a bi-lingual leader who has hired a new teaching and support staff and in partnership with an excellent admin assistant are welcoming current and new families to the reimagined SVDP. St. Vincent de Paul, their new mascot is the Phoenix, is truly a rebirth. They have re-opened their school with just over 80 students and are charging more than double the tuition collected in previous years. And, in partnership with the NativityMiguel Coalition, did not lose sight of their mission to serve families in need. Professionally, it was a privilege to facilitate this work over four months and personally witness this transformation. It was a blessing to be part of the work that has yielded a new future for one Catholic school. Thank you to Fr. Manuel Becerra, Pastor and Dr. Jeannie Ray-Timoney, Superintendent for your leadership, and to the entire weekly working group for your commitment to writing this new chapter for St. Vincent de Paul Dual Language Immersion School. St. Vincent de Paul is located in Salem, Oregon. To learn more about SVDP, visit them online at: https://svdpschoolsalem.org/
2 Comments
12/28/2022 07:41:23 am
Thanks for sharing your ideas and thoughts! DMJ Recruitment, in association with Computershare, are thrilled to announce the winners of our industry-favourite Governance HOT 100 awards feature for 2022!
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1/14/2024 10:51:26 pm
Thanks for sharing these valuable insights. In India too we need undertake these kind of reforms to ensure effective schooling and turnaround the educational process. Thanks a lot
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