May 14, 2010
Strategic initiatives, new structures tackle Catholic education in the Diocese of Evansville
By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Evansville are facing small drops in enrollment and other concerns common throughout the United States.
However, Catholic schools in the diocese have seen several significant developments of late, indicating that planners are well aware of the reality and are facing forward with determination.
Daryl Hagan has been appointed by Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger as Superintendent of Catholic Schools; he will be assisted by Donna Halverson and Michele Priar. Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger termed the new structure a “key element” in bringing new vitality to Catholic schools. (Related: Catholic superintendent, assistants, introduced and welcomed)
Tad Dickel was recently named Executive Director of Mater Dei High School in Evansville. His appointment also reflects a change in structure designed to meet new challenges.
The strategic planning process identified two areas on which to focus efforts for the next several years: the viability of Catholic schools and the Catholic identity of Catholic schools. More information on these topics is part of the planning report on the front page of this issue.
In preparation for these strategic initiatives, members of a planning committee reported thses statistics:
- Average elementary school tuition in the diocese is $3,250.
- Average cost per Catholic elementary student is $5,500.
- State cost per elementary student is $9,727.
- Average Catholic high school tuition in the diocese is $4,400.
- Average cost per pupil in Catholic high school in the diocese is $6,310.
- State cost per pupil is reported at $9,727.