What is a School Viability Study?

A School Viability Study (SVS) is a comprehensive assessment that will evaluate all Regional and Parish Elementary Schools within the Archdiocese of New York to ensure long-term sustainability and effectiveness within a community. This process examines vital factors such as enrollment trends, financial health, academic performance, and alignment with Catholic education’s mission and values.

In the Archdiocese of New York, the SVS will use the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (NSBECS) as a framework to ensure that every school is meeting high standards of academic excellence, operational vitality, and Catholic identity. The study aims to provide recommendations to strengthen Catholic education, allowing schools to continue nurturing students’ educational growth and spiritual formation for future generations.

Timeline for the School Viability Study

October–November 2024: The Archdiocese of New York’s Department of Education conducts a comprehensive study of each school, evaluating its mission, academic performance, leadership, and operations through site visits and detailed self-assessments.

November–December 2024: The Department reviews the schools’ self-evaluations and findings and prepares recommendations to help each school grow and improve. These recommendations are then shared with the Superintendent of Schools.

January 2025: In consultation with the Archbishop of New York, the Superintendent reviews the recommendations and makes decisions to support each school’s future. A summary of the findings and decisions will be shared with the public.

Our Key Focus Areas of Study

Catholic schools are rooted in the mission of the Church, forming students as disciples of Jesus Christ. This foundation is reflected through vibrant faith communities, meaningful liturgical experiences, and a curriculum infused with Gospel values. By fostering a culture of faith, service, and academic inquiry, Catholic schools prepare students to live out their call to holiness and transform the world.

Effective Catholic schools thrive under visionary leadership and sound governance structures. Leaders inspire the community with a shared commitment to Catholic education’s mission while governing bodies ensure accountability and sustainability. Collaboration among clergy, administrators, and stakeholders strengthens the school’s ability to fulfill its mission and adapt to emerging challenges.

Catholic schools pursue excellence in teaching and learning, integrating faith with rigorous academics. Educators employ innovative methods and data-driven practices to support each student’s unique needs. Catholic schools empower students to reach their full potential and contribute to society by fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a love for learning.

Sustainability is key to Catholic schools’ success, achieved through strategic planning, resource management, and community engagement. Operational vitality ensures that schools are well-resourced and accessible, fostering long-term growth. From effective enrollment strategies to financial stewardship, Catholic schools create a strong foundation for their mission to thrive.

Message from Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools

Together, through prayer, collaboration, and trust in God’s providence, we will move forward with hope, building a vibrant and faith-filled future for Catholic education in the Archdiocese of New York.

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News and Updates

Regional Profiles

Frequently Asked Questions

The School Viability Study (SVS) is an opportunity for your school community to reflect on its strengths and identify areas for growth to ensure long-term success. The study evaluates enrollment, financial sustainability, academic excellence, and alignment with Catholic mission and values. Its goal is to strengthen Catholic education across the Archdiocese while supporting each school in fulfilling its mission to provide a faith-based, academically excellent education.

The SVS focuses on all Regional and Parish Elementary Schools within the Archdiocese of New York. Private Catholic elementary schools and all Catholic high schools that operate independently within the Archdiocese are not part of this study.

The study is being conducted by a team of experts in the Archdiocese of New York’s Department of Education with oversight from the Office of the Superintendent of Schools. This team will also engage with school leaders, families, and other community and pastoral leaders to ensure full transparency.

No. The goal of the School Viability Study is not to close schools but to better understand each school’s strengths and challenges. While the study may lead to difficult conversations and decisions, its primary focus is on ensuring a sustainable and thriving future for Catholic education in the Archdiocese.

Your voice matters. Families, faculty, and staff will have opportunities to share feedback through their School Principal or Administrator. Additional opportunities for input will be communicated by your school and the Archdiocese through official channels. Together, your insights will help shape the study’s outcomes.

The Archdiocese will share a general summary report of the study’s findings and recommendations for Regional and Parish Elementary Schools in early 2025. Families and school communities may receive additional updates directly from their School Principal or Administrator as they become available.

Once the recommendations are shared, the Office of the Superintendent of Schools will provide a roadmap for any changes, including clear timelines and resources for families and schools.

School Viability Study Steering Committee

  • Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools
  • BriAna Pechin, Deputy Superintendent of Schools
  • Patricia Zaccone, Associate Superintendent for Operations and Planning
  • Steven Pallonetti, Associate Superintendent of Government Programs and Student Services

Standards and Benchmarks Committees

Mission and Catholic Identity:

  • Linda Dougherty (Co-Chair), Associate Superintendent for Catholic Identity and Secondary Schools
  • Cathleen Cassel (Co-Chair), Regional Superintendent for the Upper Counties
  • Committee Members:
    • Veronica Jarek-Prinz, Director of Enrollment and Financial Assistance
    • Gerald Wutkowski, Jr., Director of Communications and Digital Media
    • Patricia Ryan, Grants Manager

Governance and Leadership:

  • Sr. Anne Massell, PBVM (Co-Chair), Associate Superintendent for Leadership
  • Dr. Noelle Beale, Ph.D. (Co-Chair), Regional Superintendent for Central Westchester
  • Committee Members:
    • Sr. Patricia Anastasio, Associate Superintendent for Teacher Personnel
    • Matthew DiBenedetto, Student Services & Public Policy Associate
    • Oneeka Jordan, Director of Data Information Systems and Data Management

Academic Excellence:

  • Marie O’Shea (Co-Chair), Associate Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
  • Anthony Biscione (Co-Chair), Regional Superintendent for Manhattan
  • Committee Members:
    • Jann Amato, Regional Superintendent for Staten Island
    • Ray Vitiello, Regional Superintendent for the Bronx
    • Connie McCrory, Director of Early Childhood Development
    • Margaret McEvoy, Director of Teacher Personnel

Operational Vitality:

  • Patricia Zaccone (Co-Chair), Associate Superintendent for Operations and Planning
  • Joanne Walsh (Co-Chair), Associate Superintendent for Early Childhood/Universal Pre-K Programs
  • Committee Members:
    • Sr. Patricia Anastasio, Associate Superintendent for Teacher Personnel
    • Steven Pallonetti, Associate Superintendent of Government Programs and Student Services
    • Connie McCrory, Director of Early Childhood Development
    • Gerald Wutkowski, Jr., Director of Communications and Digital Media
    • Lillian Valentin, Director of Data Collection
    • Oneeka Jordan, Director of Data Information Systems and Data Management
    • Patrick Davis, Director of School Technology
    • Veronica Jarek-Prinz, Director of Enrollment and Financial Assistance
    • Matthew DiBenedetto, Student Services & Public Policy Associate
    • Patricia Ryan, Grants Manager

Media Inquiries

For media-related questions regarding Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York, please contact Gerald Wutkowski, Jr., Director of Communications and Digital Media at Gerald.Wutkowski@archny.org or at 646-794-2761.