June 08, 2010
St. John’s University announced today the creation of its newest
initiative to be known as the Institute for Catholic Schools.
Catholic elementary and secondary education in New York
and across the nation has long made great contributions to society
and to the Church. While this continues to be the case, Catholic
education is also confronting unprecedented challenges today. At
this critical time, St. John’s University – consistent with its
mission to serve the local Church – establishes this Institute in a
desire to serve as a valuable resource in collaborating with local
dioceses to support and enhance Catholic primary and secondary
education.
The Institute will capitalize on the St. John’s Catholic School
Principal’s Executive Leadership Institute which is held annually;
partnerships with elementary schools to improve the different
learning experiences and achievements of their students; and the
creation of training programs for Catholic School Board
members.
The
overarching purpose of the Institute is to foster the long-term
sustainability, growth, and excellence of Catholic education by
assisting the local dioceses in enhancing the administrative and
academic infrastructure of schools. This would consist of improving
communication and collaboration between elementary and high schools
in order to facilitate creation of a seamless, integrated K-12
Catholic educational system for students.
The Institute, through its visible affirmation and support, will
seek to provide great hope for Catholic education. The most
critical and immediate need was identified to be strategic
planning, including market analysis, financial planning and fund
development.
External funds have already been committed to the Institute by
alumni and friends of the University, enabling St. John’s to use
its academic resources to support this initiative with university
faculty, graduate-level student scholars and Catholic school
personnel. These groups will develop uniquely 21st century
field-based techniques and strategies that can be disseminated to a
broad audience and used to strengthen Catholic schools locally and
perhaps throughout the nation. And, with its emphasis on
educational outcomes, the St. John’s Institute for Catholic Schools
will serve as an important voice in communicating the positive
impact that Catholic education has in creating an educated
citizenry for the broader global community.
“The
St. John’s Institute for Catholic Schools aligns with our mission
as a Catholic and Vincentian University,” said
Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M., President of St. John’s
University. “We are happy to join hands with Catholic schools of
our neighboring dioceses to address concerns within the current
system, and we believe this partnership will help Catholic schools
to be even stronger in the days and years ahead. This will make a
difference in the lives of current and future students.”
The Institute will be spearheaded by Mary Jane Krebbs, Associate
Dean of The School of
Education and Francine Guastello, Associate Professor of
Human Services and Counseling, both faculty members at St.
John’s University. They will be supported by an Advisory Board
composed of the Superintendents of the three local dioceses,
additional representatives from the New York Archdiocese as
well as the dioceses of Brooklyn and Rockville Centre, the University
president, the Dean
of the School of Education and members of the St. John’s
University’s Board of Trustees.
For more information contact Dominic Scianna, Assistant Vice
President for Media Relations at St. John’s University by calling
(718) 990-6185.