News/Events

February 2, 2007 - The Archdiocese of Boston Announces the Launch of the 2010 Initiative

New Plan Aimed at Improving, Revitalizing and Strengthening Archdiocese’s Catholic Schools

Brighton, MA - The Archdiocese of Boston has announced the 2010 Initiative -- a plan to improve, strengthen and revitalize Boston’s Catholic schools. The goal of the 2010 Initiative is to make the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Boston the best in the nation by 2010.

“The mission of the Catholic Schools has been one rooted in humanity: to provide children of all backgrounds an opportunity to learn within a faith-filled and value-based environment,” said Archbishop Sean P. O’Malley. “Through an open and inclusive process that draws on the collective talents of outside experts and significant resources already here, we have the opportunity to chart a path that will make our Catholic schools the finest in the nation.”

“The Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Boston play a vital role in our community,” said Jack Connors, Chairman of Hill, Holliday and Strategic Planning Committee Member. “I can think of no more important mission than ensuring that our young people – regardless of their financial status -- have access to high-quality, values-based education.”

Sr. Kathleen Carr, CSJ, Superintendent of the Archdiocese’s Catholic Schools said, "Our community is blessed to have an Archbishop and an Archdiocese which is so completely dedicated to improving and strengthening our Catholic schools for future generations of students and families. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated and

outstanding team of administrators, teachers and staff all working together to strengthen the education of our students. While we face many challenges as one community, we are inspired by the efforts of so many who are joining us in this endeavor which aims to make our schools among the best in the nation."

The initiative in Boston is part of a broader mission set out by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops this June toward making Catholic schools available, accessible and affordable to all parents and their children including those who are poor and middle class. In fact, research conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, the National Catholic Education Association and other independent agencies demonstrates that Catholic schools make a major impact in closing the achievement gap for poor and minority students in inner-city environments. The mission of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops focused on providing an exceptional educational experience for young people – one that is both truly Catholic and of the highest academic quality.

As a first step, the Archdiocese has engaged a team of nationally recognized consultants who will work with the Archdiocese to conduct a formal review of the existing system and develop a strategic, long-term plan for the future.

The Archdiocese of Boston has recruited Meitler Consultants Inc., a leading national Catholic consulting organization with significant expertise in education, which has worked with Archdioceses such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Newark and Saint Louis. Meitler Consultants, Inc. will be the lead consultant. For more information on the work that Meitler has done in other Archdioceses, please visit www.meitler.com. McKinsey and Company, a leading management consulting firm, has offered to aid in the effort on a pro bono basis as has PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

The focus of this initiative is primarily on the parish and pre-kindergarten to 8th grade range. However, the secondary schools will be invited to provide feedback in the study developed by McKinsey. The study will seek information about the flow of students from the elementary to the secondary schools and what the elementary schools need to do to prepare their students for high school. The study will also seek information about the future plans of each high school. The five parish high schools are included in the planning process along with the parish elementary schools. All of the other high schools are independent and the Archdiocese does not plan for them. However, significant efforts will be made to involve them, communicate with them, and to improve the level of collaboration between the high schools in each region and with their surrounding elementary schools.

The Archdiocese firmly believes that the most effective plan will be developed by drawing upon the collective experience of principals, pastors and local stakeholders working with professional education experts, consultants and practitioners in the community. The Archdiocese is committed to creating a long-term system that will evolve, grow and develop to meet the needs of its students and the community.

“We are honored to be part of a process that will help strengthen our community and the Catholic education system in Boston,” said David Fubini, Director, McKinsey & Company. “McKinsey is committed to serving the Boston Community and this is one small way in which we can contribute a portion of our intellectual resources.”

“The Archdiocese of Boston’s schools are a valued resource and foundation in the community,” said Mike Costello, Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers. “We are happy to provide support that will help ensure strong financial management for future generations of students.”

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