Outlining a transformative journey, this strategic plan represents a vision and 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 this plan lies the profound influence of the Marist Brothers charism, a guiding light that has shaped our institution for over a century.
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 attaining these goals, 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
• Retreat Programs: Increase retreat offerings for students at various points in their school journey. Also, organize religious services and retreats specifically designed for parents and alumni.
• Service and Mission Trips: Organize service projects and mission trips with a spiritual growth component. Increase service opportunities within our local community.
• Religious Studies Curriculum Enhancements: Integrate experiential learning into the religious studies curriculum
• Spiritual Mentorship: Establish a spiritual mentorship program with faculty, staff, or community members
• Liturgical and Prayer Services: Expand the schedule and variety of liturgical and prayer services available to students and the Saint Joseph Academy community
Enrich the culture of acceptance
• Diversity and Inclusion Curriculum: Integrate diversity and inclusion topics into the various school programs
• Community Service Projects: Organize service projects that engage with diverse communities.
• Inclusive School Policies: : Review school policies and codes of conduct to assure they are inclusive and make modifications as necessary
• Anti-Bullying Campaigns and Policies: Implement an anti-bullying initiative to build on the Marist pillar of family spirit where all community members value and respect each other
Enhance and strengthen student well-being
• Mental and Physical Health Education and Awareness Programs: Strengthen programs that education students on mental and physical health, teach coping mechanisms, and reduce stigma associated with seeking help
• Wellness Workshops and Seminars: Organize regular workshops on topics such as stress management, mindfulness, healthy relationships, and personal safety.
• Extracurricular Physical Fitness Opportunities: Offer a variety of physical activities outside of traditional sports to encourage all students to stay active, including yoga, dance, and martial arts.
• Pastoral Care and Spiritual Counseling: : Create a support system through pastoral care that is grounded in Catholic values, offering spiritual guidance and emotional support to students navigating personal challenges.
Goal #1
Assess Administrative Roles in Support of Students and Faculty
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.
Goal #2
Review Academic Standards and Available Data
Initiatives
• Support Faculty in their Professional Growth: Build off existing programming that focuses on current educational trends, pedagogy, and subject-specific content, adding the Dean of Academics position will allow for increased support and supervision of faculty
• Peer Observation and Coaching Program: Facilitate a structured program where faculty can observe each other's teaching methods and provide constructive feedback, followed by coaching sessions to discuss improvements and strategies
• Faculty Evaluation System Revamp: Develop a more comprehensive evaluation system that includes self-assessments, student feedback, and peer reviews, in addition to administrative evaluations, to provide a holistic view of teaching performance
• Educational Conferences and Networking: Support faculty attendance at local and national educational conferences to gain new insights, network with peers, and bring fresh ideas back tothe classroom
Initiatives
• Curriculum Review Committee: Rely on the Academic Leadership Team to regularly review and assess the school's curriculum against current academic standards and trends
• Data Collection and Analysis System: Implement a robust system to collect and analyze academic performance data from various assessments to identify areas for improvement
• Professional Development on Data Utilization: Provide training for faculty on how to effectively use academic performance data in their teaching strategies and curriculum adjustments, promoting a data-driven approach to education
Attract and Retain High-Quality Employees
• Competitive Compensation Packages: Continue to implement the Salary Adjustment Plan which is aimed at offering salaries and benefits that are competitive within the region, including health benefits and retirement plans Once this three-year process is complete, assure that the school remains attentive to changes that have occurred regionally and be prepared to revisit the plan if necessary
• Professional Development Opportunities: Provide access to continuous professional development resources, including workshop
• Employee Recognition Programs: Implement recognition programs that regularly acknowledge employee achievements, both in teaching and non-teaching capacities, to enhance morale and motivation
• Onboarding and Mentoring Programs: Develop comprehensive onboarding programs for new hires and pair them with experienced mentors to help them integrate into the school community and succeed in their roles
• Leadership Development Pathways: Create clear pathways for career progression, including leadership training and opportunities for current employees to move into higher roles. This not only motivates staff but also helps fill leadership roles internally with familiar and committed personnel.
Identify and Support Students Needing Academic Assistance
• Early Warning System: Develop and implement an early warning system that utilizes data from grades, attendance records, and teacher observations to identify students at risk of academic underperformance
• Customized Intervention Plans: Establish a protocol for creating personalized intervention plans for each identified student These plans could include tutoring, counseling, and tailored learning strategies, ensuring that interventions are specific to the needs of each student
• Learning Center Enhancement: Add to the dedicated learning center that provides resources such as tutors, study materials, and access to computers and educational software
• Professional Development on Differentiation: Offer ongoing professional development for teachers focused on differentiation and inclusive teaching practices. This training helps teachers better support diverse learners within their classrooms
• Parental Involvement Program: Create a structured program to increase parental involvement in their children's education This program can include workshops that teach parents how to support their children's learning at home and regular updates on their child's progress.
Maintain High Standards for Students and Faculty
• Rigorous Curriculum Review and Development: Continue the ongoing review of the school's curriculum, including course mapping, to ensure it meets the highest educational standards and includes the latest academic research and methodologies
• Enhanced Performance Evaluation Systems: Develop and implement a comprehensive performance evaluation system for faculty that includes feedback from students, peers, and administrators. For students, establish clear academic performance criteria that are regularly assessed through standardized testing and portfolio reviews
• Student Achievement Recognition Programs: Expand programs to recognize and reward student academic excellence and improvement. These programs could include awards, scholarships, and public acknowledgments, encouraging a culture of achievement
• Accountability and Transparency Measures: Implement measures to ensure transparency and accountability in both student and faculty performance This might involve publishing annual reports on academic outcomes and holding regular community meetings to discuss the school’s academic standards and achievements.
• Student Focused Approach to College Admissions: Continue the individualized, grade-appropriate preparation for students and families that positions students well for acceptances to college Expand the college visit program to help identify the best fit college for every student.
In our ongoing commitment to encourage 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 ServiceOriented Mindset
• Service Learning Curriculum: Expand service learning opportunities to tie community service activities directly to classroom learning, enhancing both academic understanding and civic engagement
• Partnerships with Local Organizations: Build on partnerships with local nonprofits and community organizations to provide structured volunteer opportunities for students and foster ongoing community involvement
• Annual Service Projects: Organize school-wide service projects that involve students, faculty, and parents These projects could focus on significant community needs, such as environmental conservation, food banks, or supporting local shelters
• Reflection and Recognition Programs: Implement reflection sessions after community service activities where students can discuss their experiences and the impact of their work Recognize and celebrate the contributions of students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to service.
Cultivate Leadership Skills
• Leadership Development Programs: Develop a comprehensive leadership program that includes workshops, seminars, and guest lectures focusing on essential leadership qualities like communication, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making
• Student Leadership Roles: Expand and promote student leadership roles within the school through student council, clubs, sports teams, and other extracurricular activities. Provide real responsibilities and mentorship to help students grow in these roles
• Mentorship Programs: Pair students with faculty mentors or bring in external mentors from the community who can provide guidance, share experiences, and foster leadership skills
• Leadership Retreats: Organize local leadership retreats that offer team-building activities, leadership challenges, and opportunities for students to develop and practice leadership skills in a supportive environment Continue to support the national leadership program opportunities which students currently attend
• Internships: Explore how an internship program can further link students to the community and build real-world skills and valuable connections
Integrate Faith and Service
• Faith-Based Service Projects: Design and implement service projects that are directly connected to the school's Marist teachings Encourage students to participate in activities that reflect the values and principles of their faith, such as helping the less fortunate, environmental stewardship, or community outreach
• Interfaith Initiatives: Create programs that encourage understanding and cooperation between different faith groups within the school and the broader community This could involve interfaith dialogues, joint service projects, and educational seminars
• Theology in Action Classes: Offer courses that combine theological education with practical service-learning components These classes can help students understand how their faith translates into action and social responsibility
• Reflection and Spiritual Growth Opportunities: Incorporate structured time for reflection into service activities, allowing students to contemplate the impact of their work and its connection to their spiritual lives This can be facilitated through retreats, reflection sessions, and guided discussions
Ensure Program Sustainability
• Endowment Fund for Service and Leadership: Establish an endowment fund specifically dedicated to financing service and leadership programs This can help ensure that funds are available annually, regardless of economic fluctuations or changes in enrollment.
• Partnerships with Businesses and Nonprofits: Forge partnerships with local businesses and nonprofit organizations These partnerships can provide financial support, resources, and opportunities for students to engage in community service and leadership activities
• Alumni Involvement: Actively engage alumni as mentors, speakers, and sponsors for service and leadership programs. Alumni can offer a wealth of knowledge, financial backing, and network opportunities that enhance the program ' s offerings and stability
• Grant Applications and Annual Fundraising: Regularly apply for grants that support educational initiatives in service and leadership. This could involve hiring grant writers to increase the success rate of applications Further, organize annual fundraising events specifically aimed at supporting service and leadership activities Events such as charity runs, auctions, or galas can raise significant funds and also increase community awareness and involvement in the school’s programs
In our ongoing commitment to maintaining our beautiful campus, these goals will serve to establish and enhance preventive maintenance programs, manage capital improvement projects, 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 honors the history and architecture that is so important to our campus life.
• Comprehensive Project Planning: Develop a detailed master plan for the campus to include each capital improvement project, guidelines for approval, project scope, budget, timeline, and expected outcomes This planning should involve key stakeholders to ensure all needs are considered
• Dedicated Project Management Team: Establish a project management team to oversee the execution of capital improvement projects This team would be responsible for coordination, monitoring progress, and ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget
• Stakeholder Communication Strategy: Implement a communication strategy that keeps all stakeholders informed about project progress and any changes Regular updates can help manage expectations and foster a sense of involvement and transparency.
• Risk Management Protocols: Create and enforce a set of risk management protocols to identify potential risks early in the project lifecycle This includes financial risks, scheduling delays, and compliance with regulations, with contingencies in place to address these issues.
• Performance Evaluation and Feedback: After the completion of each project, conduct a thorough evaluation to assess the performance against the original goals and objectives. Collect input from users and stakeholders to guide future projects and enhance processes
Goal #2 Initiate Facility Upgrades
• Facility Needs Assessment: Conduct comprehensive assessments of all school facilities to identify areas needing improvement or upgrades This should include input from faculty, staff, and students to ensure all needs are addressed
• Capital Funding Plan: Develop a detailed capital funding strategy that includes timelines for fundraising, potential grants, and budget allocations for each phase of the upgrade projects This plan should also outline priorities based on the needs assessment
• Sustainable Design Principles: Incorporate sustainable design principles into the facility upgrades to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact This can include upgrading to energy-efficient systems, using sustainable materials, and improving water conservation
Goal #3 Create Preventative Maintenance and Natural Preservation Program
• Comprehensive Asset Inventory: Develop a detailed inventory of all school assets, including buildings, equipment, and technology This inventory serves as the foundation for scheduling maintenance and monitoring asset conditions.
• Scheduled Maintenance Plan: Establish a scheduled maintenance plan for all critical infrastructure and equipment This plan should include regular inspections, cleaning, and necessary repairs to prevent breakdowns and extend the lifespan of assets.
• Training for Maintenance Staff: Provide ongoing training for maintenance personnel to ensure they are knowledgeable about the latest maintenance techniques and technologies. This training helps in identifying potential issues before they become major problems.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Set up systems to monitor the performance and efficiency of maintenance activities. Regular reporting to administration ensures transparency and accountability, facilitating adjustments to the maintenance plan as needed
Assess Enrollment| and Advancement Operations
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, and grow the endowment. By implementing these goals, we aspire to secure our long-term success and vibrancy
• Data Analytics Implementation: Utilize data analytics tools to analyze enrollment trends, applicant data, and alumni engagement This will help in understanding patterns and making informed decisions about marketing and outreach strategies
• Market Research and Community Feedback: Build off the comprehensive marketing and communications plan that was conducted recently to stay current with the competitive landscape Also, continue to gather feedback from current families, prospective families, and the broader community as a way to identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement in both enrollment and advancement efforts.
• Alumni Engagement Programs: Strengthen alumni engagement through targeted programs that encourage alumni to participate in mentorship, networking events, and fundraising This can help build a lifelong community while supporting advancement goals
• Performance Metrics and Reporting Systems: Establish clear performance metrics for assessing the effectiveness of enrollment and advancement operations Regularly report these findings to school leadership to ensure transparency and continuous improvement
Assess the School’s Optimal Size
• Capacity Analysis: Following an analysis of current facilities, resources, and staffing, the school has determined that the maximum number of students that can be effectively accommodated without compromising the quality of education and services is approximately 475 The school could consider structural ways to increase that slightly if the strong interest from prospective families persists.
• Enrollment Trend Studies: Analyze past and current enrollment trends to understand growth patterns and predict future changes. This analysis can help in making informed decisions about scaling operations up or down
• Stakeholder Consultations: Engage with key stakeholders, including faculty, parents, and students, through surveys and focus groups to gather insights on perceived class sizes, resource availability, and educational quality This will help assess satisfaction and expectations related to school size
• Financial Impact Modeling: Develop financial models to explore the implications of different school sizes on the budget, including income from tuition and the costs associated with expansion or contraction (e g , infrastructure, staffing, technology)
• Long-term Strategic Planning: Incorporate findings from the above assessments into a long-term strategic plan that outlines potential scenarios for growth, stability, or reduction This plan should align with the school’s mission, educational goals, and financial sustainability
Develop a Comprehensive Communication Strategy
• Stakeholder Mapping and Needs Analysis: Identify all key stakeholder groups, such as students, parents, faculty, alumni, and potential donors Conduct an analysis to determine their specific communication needs and preferences
• Integrated Communication Platforms: Develop and implement an integrated set of communication platforms that may include a revamped school website, social media channels, newsletters, and a mobile app These platforms should be tailored to meet the diverse needs of the school’s community.
• Content Creation Plan: Establish a content creation plan that outlines the types of messages, frequency, and responsible parties for content across different media This plan should include a mix of informational, educational, and engaging content that reflects the school’s values and priorities
• Training and Guidelines for Staff: Provide training for school staff on the communication tools and strategies, and establish guidelines to ensure consistency and professionalism in all communications
• Feedback Mechanism and Evaluation: Implement mechanisms for collecting feedback on the effectiveness of communication strategies, and regularly evaluate this feedback to refine and improve communication methods
Goal #4
Strategically Grow the Endowment
• Targeted Fundraising Campaigns: Launch targeted fundraising campaigns that appeal to specific donor interests, such as scholarship funds, facility upgrades, or special program development Tailor messaging to emphasize the impact of contributions on the school and its students
• Alumni Engagement Strategy: Develop a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy that rekindles relationships with graduates through networking events, reunions, and regular communications Encourage alumni to contribute to the endowment as a way to give back and support future generations
• Planned Giving Program: Establish a planned giving program that educates potential donors about the benefits of bequests, life insurance gifts, and other forms of legacy giving Offer personalized consultations to interested donors to facilitate their planning.
• Endowment-Specific Marketing Materials: Create dedicated marketing materials that clearly explain the purpose of the endowment, its benefits, and the long-term goals it supports Distribute these materials through various channels to reach a wider audience of potential donors
• Investment Management Improvements: Review and possibly enhance the investment strategies for managing the endowment funds Ensure the endowment's 0assets are being managed effectively to maximize growth and minimize risk
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• Leadership Training Programs: Implement regular training programs tailored specifically for board members and administrators. These should focus on leadership development, strategic decision-making, education trends, and governance best practices
• Board Retreats and Workshops: Organize annual retreats or workshops that provide intensive leadership training and team-building activities These events can also serve as opportunities for strategic planning and strengthening relationships among board members and administrators
• Mentorship Programs: Establish a mentorship program where experienced board members and external leaders mentor newer members and administrators This can facilitate knowledge transfer, enhance leadership skills, and strengthen the school’s leadership culture
• Regular Evaluation and Feedback: Create a systematic approach for evaluating the performance of board members and administrators Provide constructive feedback and set individual development goals to encourage continuous improvement in leadership skills
• Succession Planning: Create a clear succession planning process to ensure continuity in leadership This plan should identify potential leaders among the board and administrative staff and provide them with targeted development opportunities to prepare for future leadership roles.
• Regular Progress Monitoring: Establish a regular monitoring system to track the progress of the strategic plan’s implementation This could involve quarterly reviews of milestones and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess progress and identify areas needing adjustment.
• Stakeholder Communication: Keep all stakeholders informed about the implementation process and progress Regular updates can be communicated through newsletters, meetings, and the school’s website to maintain transparency and foster a sense of involvement
• Evaluation and Feedback Mechanisms: Implement a robust evaluation system to measure the impact of the strategic initiatives and gather feedback from the school community Use surveys, focus groups, and feedback sessions to collect insights that can help refine and improve the plan over time
• Adaptive Strategy Adjustments: Create a process for making timely adjustments to the strategic plan based on the assessment data and feedback. This adaptive approach allows the school to respond to changing conditions and continuously improve its strategies