The diocese’s long-term strategic planning process for our schools will take into account the many challenges we face. Hear consultant Alan Meitler talk about secularism, technology, aging facilities, expectations of parents and more.

Sacred Heart is currently participating in a diocesan wide strategic planning process that began in an effort to ensure that Catholic education will be accessible and affordable for generations to come.  The project will help guide the diocese in addressing challenges and sustaining the mission of Catholic school education.  

In June I had the opportunity along with Fr. Chris, Mrs. Kinney, and Mr. Ehlinger to attend the Key Findings meeting.  I was asked to share with the Board the findings of the research conducted over the past year along with the plan for moving forward.  

Consultants visited all 16 Catholic schools in the Des Moines Diocese.  They collected data in a few key areas and examined strengths along with opportunities for improvement.  You will find the Key Findings document for your review to the right on this webpage.  The main areas they focused on were Making Disciples, Academics, Community Demographics, Enrollment, Governance and Facilities, and School Finances.

The Catholicity and spirituality of our schools was a strength that was noted throughout the process, and is what separates us from public schools. Going forward they will focus on looking at formal marketing and advancement programs to maintain and advance enrollment, along with increasing diversity to represent the community and diocesan population.  They will develop a strong financial model that will allow for competitive compensation for teachers and administrators to attract and retain the best personnel.  They will also focus on having diocesan schools collaborate with one another and not compete.

The Blue Ribbon Task Force headed by Dr. Jerry Deegan is in the process of devising a strategy that will enable our schools to reach their full potential utilizing best practices.  They are working on a final plan to be released in early 2019.  

For more information, please visit  www.dmdiocese.org/catholic-schools/strategic-plan and/or review the document titled Key Findings on the right of this page.  


Thank you,
Heather Strang, Board President

We are participating in a diocesan-wide strategic planning process that we expect will ultimately result in a better educational experience for your children at our school. In the following short video, Bishop Richard Pates thanks all those who have laid the groundwork of establishing a wonderful school system in our diocese.

This is the second in our series of videos explaining the need for a diocesan-wide strategic planning process for our schools. In this short video, Bishop Richard Pates says we have to build on the strong foundation and not remain satisfied with the status quo. “We need to be committed to excellence in every facet of education,” he said.

In the third of our video series on the need for strategic planning for our schools, Bishop Richard Pates answers the question: Why now?

How do we get from where we are to where we want to be with our Catholic schools? Consultant Alan Meitler shares the process for our diocesan-wide strategic planning process in this short video.