By Dr. J. Norman Berry, Chairman Archdiocesan Board of Education

The Board of Education, formed by the 1966 Synod along lines suggested by the Lay Congress, has as its primary purpose the establishment of educational policy for the entire archdiocese. It is composed of 13 members of whom 9 must be laymen, 2 clergy and 2 religious; 6 of the laymen are chosen from those elected by the respective Senate. Since no member may serve more than two 3-year terms, reasonable turnover with continued representation from a broad variety of personal and geographic backgrounds is assured.

Early History

At its first meeting in March 1967, the Board was asked to make a recommendation concerning the future of Drexel High School. After intensive study, it was recommended that the school be closed and that faculty and students be assimilated by the remaining archdiocesan high schools. The decision was based primarily on the inadequate size and enrollment of the school coupled with the fact that integration had not taken place and could not be projected for the future. As expected, this proved to be a controversial decision, but it was affirmed by Archbishop Hallinan following many discussions and a joint meeting of the Board, faculty and parents. During these trying times the strong leadership and uncommon good sense displayed by Mr. Sam McQuaid, its first chairman, proved a constant source of inspiration to the fledgling board. Fortunate indeed, for many more difficult problems lay ahead.

Highlights:

1). Religious Education:

The Board recognized early the urgent necessity for religious education to meet the needs of all, particularly those traditionally neglected: Students in public schools, and adults. Consequently, the Board was instrumental in advising that the Office of Religious Education be vastly expanded, with standardization of curriculum, certification of instructors, adequate financing and staffing given highest priority.

2). Accreditation:

The Board has given vigorous backing to the Synodal goal requiring accreditation of all archdiocesan schools by 1972. As of 1970, all schools are affiliating with the Southern Association and rapidly moving toward accreditation, without sacrificing the creative innovations which are a hallmark of our parochial schools.

3.) Salaries and Benefits:

The Board has consistently backed increasing salary scales and fringe benefits for lay and religious. As of 1970, excellent hospitalization and salary continuation benefits are in effect and a retirement study underway.

4). Racial Integration:

The Board pledged early to utilize the educational resources of the archdiocese to promote its policy on racial justice, and now has a study in progress to determine what extent this has been successful, and what obstacles remain to be overcome. During the recent turmoil concerning transfer of teachers and students in the public schools, the Board, consulted at Archbishop Donnellan’s request, recommended unanimously that further Catholic school enrollment be suspended until the public school situation had stabilized.

5). Sex Education: Recognizing the primary role of the parent in all education, the Board established in this emotionally sensitive area a sound policy of supplementing education in human sexual development and emotional self control. This program, formed along lines endorsed by the Family Life Bureau, has been exceptionally well received by teachers, students and parents.

6). Campus Ministry: Now nearing completion is a study of the present and future goals and needs of this important ministry among are archdiocesan young adults; it is anticipated that this will form the basis for concrete recommendations from the Board.

7). Finances:

Now completed and in process of evaluation is the Archdiocesan Financial Study, initiated last year in conjunction with the Office of Research at Notre Dame. This will provide data concerning all phases of educational costs for the past two years and realistically project anticipated costs for several years into the future. By use of computer techniques, many possible alternative solutions to our financial dilemmas will be provided. One useful “fallout” which has occurred as a result of this study is the standardization of archdiocesan accounting procedures accomplished by a volunteer group of certified accountants under the direction of Mr. Arthur Scarzzo.

8). High School Development:

This committee of the Board is now working with planning groups from St. Pius and St. Joseph’s High Schools to aid each school in planning its optimum future development. In this regard it should be noted that present tuition rates for these schools are approximately one-third of those charged by private schools in this area and that both high schools have competent, dedicated faculties and enjoy an excellent scholastic reputation.

9). Communication with People of Archdiocese:

The Board recognizes that all members of the archdiocese should be involved in policy-making: All regular meetings are open to the public, and any person or group wishing to address the board or to have an item placed on the agenda may do so by prior request. Meetings are usually on second Wednesdays and are announced in the BULLETIN; alternate meetings are held in different parishes in order to stimulate community interest and improve communications. The agenda and minutes of all meetings are sent to all parish boards of education, principals, and pastors. The executive secretary of the Board, who is the secretary of education, visits all parishes during each year as an official representative of the Board.

10). This Year, 1970-1971:

The Board seeks to specify the goals for each educational program in the archdiocese: religious education, including adult education; parochial elementary and secondary schools, and the campus ministry, always stressing community service, community involvement, and creative innovation.

And What About the Future?

Our only true goal is now and shall remain “the education of the whole man”, and it will most likely be accomplished by diverse means, with the emphasis shifting to those shown to be most effective. Present evidence strongly suggests that both religious education and parochial education are improving. With deep trust in the vigor, enthusiasm and ultimate wisdom of the people of the archdiocese, the Board faces the future with increasing confidence.