Danielle Montepare

This 2026-2029 Strategic Plan for the Archdiocese of Atlanta Office of Catholic Schools serves as a roadmap to ensure Catholic schools provide high-quality, faith-filled, accessible, and affordable education. The plan is structured around four principal pillars: Mission and Catholic Identity, Governance and Leadership, Academic Excellence, and Operational Vitality. It aims to cultivate environments where students encounter Christ, grow in knowledge, and achieve their full potential, while strengthening relationships with parishes and families, developing mission-driven staff, enhancing academic and faith formation, and ensuring long-term operational and financial sustainability.

The meeting included superintendent updates regarding the Sacred Heart Virtual Academy, including enrollment details, tuition structure, and accreditation through Cognia. Discussions covered the budget season, revisions to policy manuals, and the naming of new principals. Reports were provided on the Viability Index scores for schools, AI policy updates, and the implementation of security systems like Centegix. Committee reports addressed finance, marketing, and strategic planning, including the rollout of a system-wide capital campaign.

This strategic plan, 'A Firm Foundation: The Rock on Which We Stand,' outlines the long-term direction for the Office of Catholic Schools. It is structured around four key pillars: Academic Excellence, Operational Vitality, Mission and Catholic Identity, and Governance and Leadership. The plan aims to enhance faith development, academic achievement, and social-emotional well-being; strengthen the system's narrative, increase enrollment, and ensure financial and facility viability; reinforce Catholic identity, formation, and inclusive communities; and foster collaboration, recruit mission-driven staff, and support advisory councils. The overarching vision is to advance the comprehensive success and sustainability of Catholic education within the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

The council meeting focused on the strategic planning process for the Office of Catholic Schools, with a timeline set for completion by the end of 2025. Discussions included an update on principal formation and leadership development initiatives, as well as a report on facility assessments and future capital expenditure planning using the zumBrunnen analysis. The council also addressed administrative updates regarding school leadership changes, the status of the new Sacred Heart Online Academy, and the nomination of new council members. A formal presentation was made by Chesterton Academy of Atlanta, resulting in the council's approval to recommend the institution for recognition as an independent Catholic school in the Archdiocese. Finally, the financial status of the schools was reviewed with a note that revised budgets would be required in the fall.

The council reviewed several key initiatives, including the completion and upcoming rollout of the Strategic Plan and ongoing financial reporting for schools, with discussions focused on enrollment concerns and testing impacts. Updates were provided on the AI usage policy, the implementation of the Centegix Alert System for school safety, and the progress of the Virtual Academy. The meeting also covered marketing strategies, leadership transitions and searches, school accreditation efforts, and the coordination of a vendor showcase for resources. Additionally, administrative updates regarding logo changes and professional development for staff were discussed.