Dear Catholic Community,
As we celebrate the conclusion of another successful school year, we are filled with joy and anticipation as we welcome our new Superintendent, Mrs. Joleen Dimitroff. Her leadership brings renewed hope for the future of Catholic education in our community.
Out recent strategic planning process has yielded a bold and inspiring vision: Forming Disciples in Catholic Schools. This vision challenges us to reimagine Catholic education in light of today’s social, demographic, and financial realities. It also outlines an ambitious timeline for implementation, one that Mrs. Dimitroff has thoughtfully reviewed with her team, outside advisors, and several parents.
From this consultation, two key insights have emerged:
1. We must be people of hope, embracing the opportunities for growth, innovation, and transformation before us.
2. We must also be realistic and discerning, ensuring we implement the plan on a timeline that supports lasting success.
In that spirit, I wish to communicate with you that while we are continuing to move forward with our aspirations stated in the strategic plan, the formal process related to NY State Education requirements and many other factors will push our timeline for full implementation out at least one year.
As our late Holy Father Francis and his successor, Pope Leo XIV, have reminded us, synodality is the call to journey together in a spirit of listening, dialogue, and prayer. I believe this delay provides a grace-filled opportunity to move forward deliberately and faithfully, building a strong foundation for the future—not just quickly, but wisely.
In the coming months, the Catholic Education Team will engage in meaningful conversations with key stakeholders to ensure the Strategic Plan is implemented with integrity and care.
To support this ongoing work, we have engage Avanti Advisors, who will assist us in nurturing the dialogue and preparation needed to plant the seed for long-term success.
Our new Strategic Plan can be found on our website: wnycatholicschools.org
Thank you for your continued faith, partnership, and support.
Catholic Education Team
Based on the bulletin of July 13, 2025.
