CSSC to hold long-range planning convocation

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
August 25, 2005

All people interested in the quality of Catholic education for students in the Siouxland area and the growth of the Catholic Schools of Sioux City (CSSC) are invited to attend a community-wide convocation Sept. 9 and 10 at Bishop Heelan High School.

Organizers of the event say this convocation is a key component in the planning process of the Catholic Schools of Sioux City for the next three to five years.

"The school system is losing students and is in danger of being in debt," noted Father Patrick Walsh, president of CSSC. "The purpose is to create a vision that can motivate people to get enthused about our schools."

People from inside and outside of the school community will come together to share in the planning and creation of the vision for the future of CSSC. With a desire to seek as much input from a variety of people, the number of people that may attend and become involved will not be limited.

"We want to involve and expand the ownership of our schools to as many people as possible who have an interest in the success and future of the Catholic Schools of Sioux City," said Father Walsh. "Although there is no magic solution, there is the energy, the intelligence and the commitment to find a viable vision for our future."

The convocation will be facilitated by the Institute of School and Parish Development (ISPD), a national development consulting firm. He stressed the fact that this group doesn't come in and tell schools what to do.

"This company provides a process to allow local people to see what they want to do," said the system president. "They have had experience all over the country working with Catholic schools, so they can help in assessing the options but the local people come up with the ideas."

Initiated by school leaders, CSSC's long-range planning efforts are taking a look at all areas of the school system: academics, administration and finance, athletics, building and grounds, development, faculty and staff, marketing, spiritual life, student life and technology.

This process began with a series of five meetings held this last spring from March to June. The meetings involved about 200 people - parents, faculty and staff, administrators and community members.

"At those five meetings people identified concerns in each of those areas and we are inviting people in to look at those concerns and offer solutions," noted Father Walsh. "Will they be detailed solutions? No, but they should be directions - this is what we need to do."

Following the convocation, ISPD will compile the results and prioritize the recommendations before presenting the findings to the school leadership. By this December, it is anticipated that the implementation process will begin.

"After the convocation and once we get our plan together, there will be 10 committees that will be working to implement the priorities in each of the areas," he explained. "At the convocation, we will ask people to identify the top concern overall and that will be the No. 1 priority."

The firm that is facilitating this convocation, ISPD, also worked with the Catholic schools in Fort Dodge in the long-range planning process. Father Walsh was president of the Fort Dodge Catholic Schools at that time and he found the process to be a great success there due to the participation of the people.

"Catholic schools are an asset to the Siouxland area. We cannot stand by and let things happen that will end the long, proud tradition of our schools," said Father Walsh. "We need to make changes that will enable this generation and generations to come to have an education based on Christ."

Anyone interested in participating in the convocation is encouraged to call the Catholic Schools of Sioux City at (712) 252-1350.