CSS changes administrative structure - 6/30/2011

Following is the text of a letter sent by Father R. Louis Stasker to diocesan parish priests and Catholic Secondary Schools faculty, staff and parents today regarding changes in CSS leadership structure:

"Grand Rapids Catholic Secondary Schools (GRCSS) soon will undergo modifications to its administrative structure as approved this week by Walter A. Hurley, bishop of the diocese of Grand Rapids and based on recommendations from the secondary school board, the superintendent of schools, the Connecticut-based consulting firm Catholic School Management, parents and myself.

"The new structure is consistent with findings in an ongoing study of diocesan school governance commissioned by the diocese with Catholic School Management as part of the “Our Faith, Our Future” initiative.

"The new structure calls for the organization to be led by a canonical administrator – a pastor – with a president heading up external affairs for the schools. A principal at each high school will be charged with oversight of internal affairs, including day-to-day operations within the buildings. 

"I will retain my role as pastor, and current Principal Thomas Maj will assume the duties of president. Associate Principal Greg Deja of Catholic Central will take on the responsibilities of principal at Catholic Central. Jack Young, who is currently associate principal at West Catholic, will serve as interim while a search is conducted for a permanent principal for the school. 

"In my role as pastor, I will ensure adherence to canon law and will have specific reserved powers. As president, Tom Maj will be responsible for GRCSS external affairs, including oversight of mission effectiveness, business affairs, fundraising, board relations and liaisons with external constituencies, including parishes and the community. The principals will be charged with overseeing faith community, academic and student affairs for their respective buildings.

"The new structure more closely aligns the two Catholic high schools under a common vision while still allowing them to serve their unique communities. This process of restructuring and further defining roles is the next in a series of steps necessary to achieve the strategic priorities stated in our vision, which was adopted in 2010 along with 12 strategic priorities that are critical to building and maintaining a sustainable organization.

"These changes further align the organization and support the vision of our high schools to continue to be renowned as high-quality Catholic schools preparing students to realize their full potential as active participants in their faith communities. I have put my full support behind Tom Maj as a leader who is tremendously capable of guiding our schools toward a sustainable, viable future. "

For more detail on the CSS administrative restructure, see the Q & A.