Values for a Lifetime

As we have moved through the initial stages of our visioning process, I have relied heavily upon the hard work and insights of a 12-person Vision Steering Committee. This committee was initially formed in early November. The initial purpose of the committee was to define the process of how we would build our vision. As we establish our vision, I know that there will be much work ahead. The Archdiocese is incredibly complex, and people rightly feel passionately about their schools. Our charge is to establish a common roadmap for the future of our schools, and study new systems of support. We must build this commonality while still respecting the unique identities of each school as well as the wide array of different governance structures within our schools.

The task seems daunting, but our Vision Steering Committee has provided some tremendous advice and support so far. For instance, this committee helped to vet the various consulting groups in November and December. This committee helped shape our press release in March, and has worked to define the structure of the upcoming Visioning Sessions. Moving forward, the committee will help ensure that our vision process is working, and that we are on task and on schedule.

The Vision Steering Committee will not, however, perform all of the work of building our vision. Our vision for schools must represent the work, insights, and opinions of the people of the Archdiocese. Thus, we will be inviting all who care about our schools to participate in the process.

The Vision Steering Committee is composed of representative stakeholders. Each committee member was chosen based upon their support of our schools and their ability to express their unique perspective. The members of the committee are as follows:

1.) Mr. Dan Andriacco: Communications Director of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
2.) Mr. Greg Bell: Parent of one student at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School. Advisory board member of the Xavier University Center for Catholic Education. Member of the Board of Limited Jurisdiction at Purcell Marian High School.
3.) Mr. Jim Frede: Business Manager for Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and School. Member of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council.
4.) Mrs. Karyn Hecker: Principal of Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Dayton.
5.) Ms. Kathy Kane: Principal of Our Lady of Victory Catholic School.
6.) Fr. George Kunkel: Pastor of St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church..
7.) Fr. Jim Manning: Pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Dayton) and President of Alter High School.
8.) Dr. Laura Meibers: Deputy Superintendent (Dayton Office). Parent of one student at Royalmont Catholic Academy.
9.) Mr. Mike Miller: Principal of Fenwick Catholic High School.
10.) Mrs. Karen Mueller: Board member of Badin Catholic High School. Former Badin parent.
11.) Sr. Patrick Ann O’Connor, SC: Retired principal and teacher in the Archdiocese.
12.) Dr. Jim Rigg: Director of Educational Services and Superintendent of Catholic Schools.

We have much work ahead, but I know that God continues to bless our efforts. The Vision Steering Committee has my sincerest gratitude for their time and efforts so far.