Strategic Plan 2024
A Message from the President
Dear Saint Joseph Academy Stakeholders,
I am delighted to present to you the culmination of over nine months of dedicated effort – our Strategic Plan for the next 3-5 years As we embark on this transformative journey, I am thrilled to share with you a vision that not only upholds the rich legacy of Saint Joseph Academy but propels us toward a future marked by resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to our mission.
At the core of our strategic planning process lies the profound influence of the Marist Brothers charism, a guiding light that has shaped our institution for over a century Our dedication to the five Marist pillars of Presence, Simplicity, Love of Work, Family Spirit, and In The Way of Mary serves as the compass directing our actions, decisions, and aspirations.
Presence: In a world marked by constant change, the importance of being fully present cannot be overstated. Our commitment to being actively engaged with our students, faculty, staff, and the wider community is at the heart of our Strategic Plan. By fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose, we aim to create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Simplicity: In embracing simplicity, we recognize the power of clarity and focus. Our plan outlines streamlined objectives that cut through complexities, ensuring that our efforts are directed toward meaningful and impactful initiatives. By simplifying our approach, we enhance our ability to respond effectively to the evolving needs of our academic community.
Love of Work: The passion we bring to our work is a driving force for positive change. Our strategic goals reflect not only a commitment to excellence but a genuine love for the transformative power of education. We seek to inspire a culture of enthusiasm and dedication, fostering an environment where every member of our community is motivated to contribute their best.
Family Spirit: The sense of community at Saint Joseph Academy has always been a defining characteristic. Our plan amplifies this spirit by fostering a sense of unity and collaboration among students, faculty, parents, and alumni. Together, we aim to create a nurturing educational family that supports and uplifts each member.
In the way of Mary: Grounded in the virtues exemplified by Mary, our plan encourages compassion, humility, and a deep sense of service. By aligning our actions with the values embodied by Mary, we aspire to cultivate a community that extends its impact beyond the classroom, contributing positively to the broader society.
This strategic plan is more than a roadmap for the next few years; it is a commitment to sustaining and strengthening the mission of Saint Joseph Academy It combines achievable goals that address immediate needs with aspirational objectives that challenge us to reach new heights. Together, we will forge a path that ensures the enduring legacy of our beloved school
I invite each of you to join us on this exciting journey Your continued support, dedication, and collaboration are instrumental in bringing this vision to fruition. Together, let us write the next chapter in the remarkable story of Saint Joseph Academy.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the values that define us.
Blessings,
Michael Motyl President
Mission Statement
Conducted by the Marist Brothers of the Schools and serving the children of the lower Rio Grande Valley, Saint Joseph Academy provides religious and moral formation and a college preparatory education in the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.
It endeavors to form young men and women who will succeed in university studies, who know and love Jesus, and who actively participate in the worship and mission of the Church, including the Church’s preferential option for the poor.
Marist Mission and Identity
In our ongoing commitment to embody the Marist Mission and pillars, the following goals provide meaningful opportunities for spiritual growth, fostering a culture of acceptance and inclusivity, and enhancing the overall well-being of our students. By implementing these initiatives, we aim to create a community where individuals are empowered to live out the Marist values in their daily lives.
Provide Opportunities for Spiritual Growth
To deepen the spiritual connection of our stakeholders, we will increase service opportunities within our local community. These experiences will engage families, alumni, and other community members in hands-on activities that align with the Marist Mission Through service, participants will have the opportunity to live out the pillars of the Marist tradition, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
To further embed the Marist Mission in the daily lives of our community, we will organize religious services and retreats specifically designed for parents and alumni. These events will provide moments of reflection, spiritual growth, and connection with the Marist values, creating a cohesive and spiritually enriched community.
Enrich the Culture of Acceptance
In our commitment to inclusivity, we will actively engage and support all members of our community. By recognizing and respecting diverse backgrounds, we aim to create an environment where everyone feels valued and included, regardless of their religious affiliation.
To foster a culture of acceptance, we will implement initiatives that celebrate diversity and inclusion. Through education and open dialogue, we aspire to create an inclusive community that respects and embraces the unique contributions of each individual.
Enhance and Strengthen Student Well-Being
Recognizing the importance of holistic well-being, we will prioritize addressing mental health issues among our student body. This involves implementing support programs, destigmatizing mental health discussions, and providing resources to help students navigate the challenges they may face.
To holistically address student well-being, we will emphasize care for the whole person. This includes initiatives to support physical, emotional, and social well-being. By promoting a comprehensive approach to health, we aim to nurture students’ personal growth and resilience. Further, we will continue to build a community where all members care for each other and work to lift each other up.
Academic Excellence
In our ongoing commitment to fostering academic excellence, we recognize the critical importance of aligning administrative roles, implementing rigorous evaluation processes, refining academic standards, and addressing the diverse needs of our students and faculty. The following goals outline our approach to achieving these objectives and strengthening our educational community.
Assess Administrative Roles in Support of Students and Faculty
We will conduct a thorough assessment of administrative roles. This involves clearly defining job responsibilities to ensure alignment with our academic goals. By establishing well-defined roles, we aim to create a supportive environment that nurtures continuous professional growth.
To ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation process, we will revise and employ updated evaluation tools for both faculty and staff members. These tools will be designed to provide constructive feedback, foster professional growth, and align with best practices in educational assessment.
Review Academic Standards and Available Data
In line with our commitment to academic excellence, we will conduct a comprehensive review of current academic standards, including Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and College Board standards. This initiative includes updating resources and assessment methods to ensure they reflect the latest educational trends and provide a solid foundation for student academic growth.
To track and foster student academic growth, we will compile and share data from standardized tests. This data-driven approach will enable us to identify areas for improvement, celebrate successes, and tailor instructional strategies to better meet the needs of our students.
g y
To elevate standards for both students and faculty, we will prioritize the expansion of academic programs and resources, enhancing college readiness through robust preparation initiatives, and maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention. We are dedicated to fostering holistic development that balances intellectual growth with emotional and spiritual well-being. To cater to diverse interests and academic ambitions, we will broaden elective offerings and increase Advanced Placement courses, ensuring each class upholds rigorous standards.
Service and Leadership
In our ongoing commitment to encouraging students to actively engage with their communities and develop leadership skills, we will integrate service learning into the curriculum, and provide diverse volunteer opportunities. Partnering with community organizations and promoting social justice rooted in Marist values, we will enrich students’ spiritual and moral development. The following goals seek to prepare students not just academically, but as conscientious individuals ready to make a positive impact in the world.
Foster a Service-Oriented Mindset
Make service and leadership in the Marist tradition at the heart of school programming Ensure that all students - beginning in 7th grade - be formed with this idea of Marist service and Marist leadership in mind.
Develop curriculum components that integrate service learning, ensuring that students understand the impact of service on community and personal growth. We will collaborate with local, national, and international organizations to offer a diverse array of volunteer opportunities that align with our Marist values
Organize school-wide service projects that address local community needs, encouraging collaboration among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members.
Develop recognition programs to celebrate students who exemplify outstanding service and leadership, reinforcing the value of these qualities.
Cultivate Leadership Skills
Offer workshops, retreats, and seminars focused on developing leadership skills such as empathy, ethical decision-making, and effective communication. Create more student-led initiatives and leadership roles within the school, such as service project coordinators or peer mentors, to give students practical leadership experience.
Integrate Faith and Service
Incorporate faith-based reflection sessions that allow students to connect their service experiences with their faith and our Marist pillars, fostering spiritual growth and understanding.
Ensure Sustainability
Secure funding and resources to support service projects and leadership development activities, including grants, donations, and in-kind contributions.
Engage the wider school community (parents, alumni, local businesses) in supporting and participating in service and leadership initiatives.
Campus Experience
In an ongoing commitment to maintaining our beautiful campus, these goals will serve to establish and enhance preventive maintenance programs, manage capital improvement projects professionally, and strategically plan for facility upgrades. By implementing these measures, we aim to create a sustainable and high-functioning environment that is integral to our students’ experience and the honors the history and architecture that is so important to our campus life.
Create Preventative Maintenance Program
Recognizing the importance of proactive facility management, we will institute a comprehensive Preventative Maintenance Program. This program will be developed with a focus on predictive and preventive strategies, ensuring that our facilities are well-maintained to mitigate potential issues before they escalate. By implementing a structured maintenance plan, we aim to increase the longevity of our infrastructure and reduce the likelihood of unexpected disruptions.
Manage Capital Improvement Projects
To ensure the efficient and professional management of capital improvement projects, we will establish clear protocols and guidelines. This involves creating a systematic approach to project planning, budgeting, execution, and evaluation By adopting best practices in project management, we aim to optimize resource allocation, enhance project outcomes, and maintain a transparent and accountable process.
Initiate Facility Upgrades
Building on our commitment to continuous improvement, we will strategically plan and execute facility upgrades. This involves assessing the current state of our facilities, identifying areas in need of enhancement, and implementing upgrades to align with evolving organizational needs. By staying ahead of technological advancements and industry standards, we aim to create a modern and adaptive infrastructure that supports our mission and vision.
Implementation and Monitoring
To ensure the successful execution of these initiatives, the Buildings & Grounds Committee will be responsible for overseeing the development of the Preventative Maintenance Program, implementing protocols for capital improvement projects, and coordinating facility upgrades. Regular assessments and performance reviews will be conducted to measure the effectiveness of each initiative. Feedback mechanisms will be implemented to gather insights from facility users, allowing us to make data-driven adjustments and improvements as needed.
Organizational Vitality
In our ongoing commitment to the overall excellence in all areas of our school, we will fortify our enrollment initiatives, develop strong leadership within our school board and administration, grow the endowment, and develop administrative leadership. By implementing these goals, we aspire to secure our long-term success and vibrancy.
Assess Enrollment and Advancement Operations
Recognizing the critical importance of maintaining our student enrollment and cultivating philanthropic relationships, we will revisit our comprehensive enrollment management and advancement plans that refreshed our programs and strategies and prompted us to alter our approachwith recent success
To further bolster our student body, we will implement targeted recruitment strategies These may include outreach programs, partnerships, and leveraging digital platforms to reach a broader audience.
Assess the School’s Optimal Size
With enrollment fluctuating over recent years and the move away from using the former middle school building, it is the right time for the school to engage in the work of determining the optimal school size. Considering the funnel of prospective applicants along with space and financial considerations, arriving at an optimal size for the school will be an essential component of future decisions.
Develop a Comprehensive Communication Strategy
To foster transparency and collaboration, we will develop a comprehensive communication strategy to share information with all stakeholders. This includes parents, faculty, staff, and the broader community. By promoting open and effective communication, we aim to build a strong foundation for a collaborative and supportive educational environment.
Strategically Grow the Endowment
To secure the financial sustainability of our institution, we will set goals for growing the endowment By bolstering the endowment, we aim to create a reliable source of funding for future projects, scholarships, and institutional development.
As a component of growing the endowment, attention should be paid to the development of a planned giving program This program will engage with alumni, parents, and community stakeholders to encourage long-term financial commitments.
Develop the Leadership of Board Members and School Administrators
In recognition of the pivotal role that leadership plays in the success of our educational institution, we will focus on the development of our Board and administrators This involves providing leadership training, mentorship programs, and opportunities for professional development. By investing in the growth and skills of our leadership team, we aim to cultivate a collaborative and visionary group that guides our institution towards continued success
Ensure Successful Implementation
Regular assessments, performance metrics, and feedback mechanisms will be integrated to gauge the success of each strategy. Adjustments and refinements will be made as needed to ensure the continued effectiveness of our comprehensive strategic plan