Development Directions

Hands-on the wheel with an intentional gaze forward, we briefly look into the rearview mirror and see remnants of the Cares Act of 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program 1 and 2, PPP Loan Forgiveness, and the EANS program, all providing a stimulus to the operational vitality of Catholic schools over the past forty months. Looking further ahead as we maneuver along, the winds before us are changing, blowing from different directions, causing us to momentarily consider how these forces will affect our movement and trajectory. Purposeful reflection reveals that pandemic-fueled federal programs behind us were helpful as Catholic schools took...

When we talk about strategic planning with a Catholic school and/or parish, ISPD’s philosophy of belonging leads to believing takes the front seat. How do we reach the many ripples of people who are not involved? These could be parents, alums, parishioners, past parents, grandparents, community members. In addition, we have found that in most cases Catholic schools and parishes need better processes in place to get to know these folks and their many connections and resources. With evangelization being so important in the church today, the essential role of the layperson has never been so dramatically emphasized, and that...

ISPD Welcomes New Associate, Dr. Ashley Lynn Ogden  The Institute for School and Parish Development is excited to announce the addition of Dr. Ashley Lynn Ogden to our ISPD Consulting Team. Dr. Ogden served as the principal of St. Dominic School in New Orleans from 2017-2023 and also served as the assistant principal from 2016-2017. Before that she served in both public and catholic schools as a teacher and leader. Dr. Ogden has a strong background in increasing student enrollment, special education, establishing mission-driven brand awareness, increasing academic achievement and developing senior leadership teams. Dr. Ogden will be working with...

(Although updated for this upcoming school year, this newsletter on “Back to School Night,” is back by popular demand). All across the country, Catholic schools will open the doors on the 2023 – 2024 school year, either before or right after Labor Day. What a wonderful time for marketing and for Catholic leaders to step up their efforts and make a difference. These can be teachable and/or impressionable moments – with many different audiences. It all adds up to whether or not we want to change the narrative. Let’s look at the infamous “Back to School Night.” This is one...

In June of 1989, the Institute for School and Parish Development opened for business. This month, as we begin our 34th year of working with Catholic schools, parishes, and (arch) dioceses throughout the country, we are hosting our annual ISPD Development School right here in New Orleans from June 26th thru June 28th. The conference will be a celebration of many years of service, as ISPD associates crisscrossed the country consulting with thousands of Catholic leaders in strategic planning, enrollment management, feasibility studies, capital campaigns, annual funds, new parishioner welcome, total stewardship, development--advancement office set-up, and so much more. It has been...

With the 2022-23 fiscal year coming to a close, there is a question that many Catholic leaders face in the months of May and June: how are we going to improve our operational vitality (advancement/development, enrollment management, communications, etc.) and stewardship efforts in 2023-24? For some, it is a burning question, especially if there are new demands and new goals that are being set by boards, councils, supervisors, administrators, and others. New enrollment numbers? New annual fund numbers? More money to be raised in the development/advancement area? Need for an increase in Stewardship of Finance in the parish? Need to...