VI. Restructuring and Growth
VI. A. School Restructuring
Findings and Background
1. Significant and continuing population shifts result in increases and decreases in the number of children in particular areas. Population shifts also change the economic and racial profile of neighborhoods, all of which affect enrollment in Catholic schools.
2. CARA (Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate) recently reported that 25% of Catholics worship at a Catholic church outside of their geographic boundaries. Many Catholic families also enroll their children in a Catholic school outside of their geographic boundaries for a variety of good reasons. The result is that some elementary schools are "inter-parochial" in enrollment, while still "parish-based" in administration and ownership.
3. Periodic restructuring/consolidation of Catholic schools is necessary to ensure that the system remains viable and grows. Just as commercial organizations open, relocate or restructure plants and offices, so the Church must adjust to changing populations.
4. Narrow parochial attitudes toward parishes and schools need to be expanded by developing a broader vision of "how can we most effectively serve the most Catholic people". The strictly parochial approach to Catholic school management has resulted in a shrinking system.
Objectives and strategies
1. The structure and governance of Catholic schools will change, as needed, to recognize evolving attendance patterns as strengths rather than problems.
Strategies1.1 School attendance and community demographic trends will be monitored to identify situations that may require structural change.
1.2 The first response to declining enrollment will be the identification of issues that can be improved to enhance enrollment. Decisions will be made promptly and new initiatives implemented.
1.3 When restructuring may be necessary, the pastor and local school council will be involved and options will be addressed regionally with surrounding schools and parishes.
1.4 School ownership and governance options identified in Section V. - School Governance will be considered. Also, alternative grade structures will be investigated.
1.5 Enrollment of Catholic children from numerous parishes, other than the home parish, will be a basis for considering an inter-parochial governance model. However, it will not be a basis for discontinuing support for a school.
1.6 Any substantial change in the status of a school will be done in accordance with archdiocesan policy, which will clarify how decisions are to be made.
