School Reorganization and Substantive Change
The archdiocese and the
Department of Catholic Schools have developed realistic guidelines called Standards for Substantive Change in Continuing Preschools, Elementary Schools, and High Schools to review and monitor the educational, financial, and demographic viability of individual elementary and high schools, and address circumstances that merit or require changes to a school's organization or structure. Changes can involve mergers, consolidations, joint operations, expansions, additions or reductions of programs, moves to or from single-gender environments, modifications in education models, or school closures. The guidelines incorporate the teaching mission of the Church and address the role of the pastor in parish schools. The guidelines also call for participation by all those impacted by the changes, and include important parameters and planning steps for any substantive change.
Before changing a school's organization or structure, the school or parish must fully consult and involve the Department of Catholic Schools. The archdiocese may also initiate the process and will consult with the particular community to be impacted by the proposed changes. The archdiocese must approve any changes.
6-28-21