1. South Boston Catholic Schools Review Presentation to Parents and Teachers January 2, 2008

2. 1 DISCUSSION TOPICS South Boston Overview South Boston Catholic Schools Overview Vision for South Boston South Boston Catholic Schools Analysis Process and Timeline 2010 Initiative

3. 2 What is the 2010 Initiative? Archdiocesan-wide effort focused on improving, strengthening & revitalizing Boston’s Catholic Schools Drawing upon collective experience: Commitment to Catholic education – Cardinal O’Malley Strategic Planning Committee – led by Jack Connors Principals Pastors Local stakeholders Professional education experts Consultants Community leaders Create long-term system that will evolve, grow & develop to meet needs of students & community

4. 3 DISCUSSION TOPICS South Boston Overview South Boston Catholic Schools Overview Vision for South Boston South Boston Catholic Schools Analysis Process and Timeline 2010 Initiative

5. 4 Why South Boston? Flat population growth over next 5 years Fragile number of under 15 year olds projected for future Strong elementary school competition We cannot finance growing needs of the schools Limited parish resources Growing deferred maintenance Quality schools require planning & resources to meet today’s needs: Strong academic programs w/ technology Competitively paid and trained teachers Improved facilities Pre-K programs Extended Day programs

6. 5 Why South Boston? “Doing Nothing is Not an Option” Plan for the future of our schools vs unexpected closings Capitalize on the new volunteer leadership that is emerging in the church Assure all families and students in South Boston a stronger Catholic elementary education system for the future

7. 6 SOUTH BOSTON POPULATION IS PREDOMINANTLY YOUNG ADULTS *Population Source:ESRI Boston, Claritas: S. Boston Population by age, 2000 Percent, Thousands of people 29.9 South Boston 589.1 Boston <20 20-40 40-60 60+ 100% = Median age3431 Largest cohort is 20-40 year olds, Median age is 34 South Boston’s overall population expected to stay relatively flat over the next 5 years ~ 29.9 K people However, forecasts predict fewer people under 20 years of age in South Boston by 2010 School aged population

8. 7 SOUTH BOSTON’S 0-15 YEAR OLD POPULATION REPRESENTS THE LARGEST POPULATION UNDER 20. South Boston “under 20” population by corresponding age 2005 Number of Children and Percentage of total it represents Appears that after 15, population declines Under age 15 is somewhat fragile if young families continue to leave South Boston Source Claritas 2005, BRA Research

9. 8 SOUTH BOSTON OFFERS MULTIPLE SCHOOL CHOICES FOR PARENTS 12 elementary schools in the South Boston region –3 Catholic schools –9 Public/charter schools PreK/extended day care also offered at sites outside Catholic, charter and public schools METCO also an option for students (allowing inner city students to attend suburban schools) Public and charter schools do not charge tuition Catholic schools charge different tuition rates based on school, students’ financial need and additional fundraising commitment Overall, Suffolk County Public Schools are experiencing enrollment declines Charter Schools are gaining popularity among parents and enrollment is increasing Source:S. Boston Catholic School Review, 11/07; team analysis

10. 9 OVERALL, FEWER 2 ND -6 TH GRADERS WERE ENROLLED INTO PUBLIC AND CHARTER SCHOOLS IN SUFFOLK COUNTY Students’ enrollment by grade in Suffolk County in public and charter schools, 2000-2004 Thousands Source:NCES (CCD); team analysis Eighth Seventh Sixth Fifth Fourth Third Second First 0.8 -1.5 -1.9 -1.8 -2.1 -1.3 0.0 0.8 1999 2004 NOT EXHAUSTIVE CAGR, 1999-2004 Percent

11. 10 DISCUSSION TOPICS 2010 Initiative South Boston Catholic Schools Overview Vision for South Boston South Boston Catholic Schools Analysis Process and Timeline South Boston Overview

12. 11 THERE ARE 3 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN SOUTH BOSTON Source:School data  Gate of Heaven: PreK-8, single classes/grade (double Grade 2)  St. Brigid: PreK-6, single classes/grade (double grade K1, K2, 2)  St. Mary: K-8, single classes/grade This review only focus’s on Gate of Heaven and Saint Brigid

13. 12 SOUTH BOSTON CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Key findings South Boston Catholic schools enrollment has been declining since 2000 (e.g., -42% average) and is expected to lose ~18% of its current student population by 2011 The enrollment loss is occurring in both schools Significant drops in enrollment from 2 nd through 8 th grade in St. Brigid and in 7 & 8 th in Gate of Heaven Losses in grades 3 & 4 due to Murphy School (public) draw and in grade 7 & 8 to Exam and Private Catholic Schools (BC High School and Catholic Memorial) Tuitions have increased yearly and have not covered the cost per pupil Schools: Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid

14. 13 SOUTH BOSTON CATHOLIC SCHOOLS AVERAGE ~200 STUDENTS PER SCHOOL AND ~20 STUDENTS PER CLASS *Occupied classrooms - represents a classroom and a class with an associated teacher Source:School data Gate of Heaven St. Brigid Average: 200 School Enrollment Students Average: 21 Classrooms* Count Student per class Average count Average:20.5 2007

15. 14 SOUTH BOSTON CATHOLIC SCHOOL ENROLLMENT SKEWS BY GRADE South Boston Catholic Schools enrollment by grade, 2007 Number of students, per grade, total grade PreKGrade 2Grade 3Grade 4Grade 5Grade 6K2Grade 7Grade 8 Gate of Heaven St. Brigid K1Grade 1  South Boston Catholic Schools have a small penetration of Pre-K children in South Boston  Enrollment size by grade drops dramatically after 2 nd grade and then again in grades 7 and 8, even with only one school offering 7th and 8th grades Source:South Boston Catholic School Review, 11/07. Enrollment model; team analysis 30 50 44 40 62 40 35 36 28 16 18

16. 15 THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENT POPULATION IS SHRINKING AND EXPECTED TO DROP ~10-20% BY 2011 South Boston Catholic schools enrollment, 2003-2011E Number of students 200320042005200620072011E -34% Projection The South Boston Catholic school enrollment has declined at ~34% since 2000 Based on recent trajectories, the Catholic school student population will shrink by ~22% over the next 5 years Some of the student loss has come from students leaving for exam schools after 6 th grade Note:Based on 2000-2006 growth rates for each school Source:Hill Hollilday model; team analysis

17. 16 CATHOLIC SCHOOL ENROLLMENT DECLINE BEEN STEADY OVER THE PAST 6 YEARS Source:School information, ABSCO model; team analysis Gate of Heaven enrollment, 2000-2006 Number of students 20002003200420052006 -36% St. Brigid enrollment, 2000-2006 Number of students 2000200120022003200420052006 20012002 -24% Gate of Heaven Catholic school student population fell 36% 2000-2006 St Brigid school enrollment decline has not been as precipitous as Gate of Heaven over thee last 6 years

18. 17 BASE CASE ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS ARE NOT VIABLE IN THE LONG-TERM School 200620072008200920102011 Gate of Heaven 246203187171156143-103-0.09 St. Brigid203196189182175168-35 -.04 2006-11 CAGR 2007-11 (%) Source: School data; team analysis Enrollment

19. 18 TUITION AND COST PER STUDENT IN SOUTH BOSTON CATHOLIC SCHOOLS St. Brigid Tuition Cost/ student Dollars Fin. aid Percent Fin. Situation Positiv e 4,700 5,000 11 Source: South Boston Catholic School Review, 11/07; team analysis Gate of Heaven Positive 4,000 5,00038 * School fund raises for tuition; $200.00 GOH and $800.00 for St Brigid

20. 19 MANY (POTENTIAL) CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS CANNOT AFFORD THE CURRENT TUITION RATES 38 11 24.5% On average need financial aid On average, 24.5% of students cannot afford tuition n average, 24.5% of students cannot afford tuition On Average Source:South Boston Schools, team analysis 11/07

21. 20 SOUTH BOSTON CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SERVE A HOMOGENOUS POPULATION, PRIMARILY CATHOLIC STUDENTS 194, 96% students 203 Total students 11 2%, 1, 1% students 3 students, 2% Source:South Bostonr Catholic School Review, 11/3/07; team analysis 192 students, 98% 196 Total students 1 students,.5% 3 students, 1.5% Primarily a Caucasian student population 94% Catholic Students Primarily a Caucasian population 98.5% Catholic Students BlackAsianWhiteOther Gate of Heaven enrollment by ethnicity, 2007 St. Brigid enrollment by ethnicity, 2007 Hispanic

22. 21 DISCUSSION TOPICS 2010 Initiative South Boston Overview South Boston Catholic Schools Overview Vision for South Boston South Boston Catholic Schools Analysis Process and Timeline

23. 22 New Vision - Stronger Schools Catholic Colleges Partnership New Academic Standards Technology Construction & Physical Plant Development STRONGER SOUTH BOSTON SCHOOL SYSTEM

24. 23 New Vision - New Management Model TODAY Parish-Run Schools Pastors Principals Advisory Boards Providing a strong Catholic education TOMORROW Board of Trustees Run Schools Pastors Principals Experienced professionals: - Education - Marketing - Fundraising Strengthening Catholic education

25. 24 New Vision- Catholic Colleges Partnership Provide assistance through participation in the Board of Trustees Assist in formation of curriculum strategy & academic benchmarks Assist in staff development and training programs Management Curriculum Staff Development

26. 25 New Vision-New Academic Standards Curriculum Goals 1.Strengthen delivery of curriculum & broaden opportunities for instruction 2.Improve technology & integrate with curriculum 3.Provide professional development opportunities for our teachers and staff

27. 26 What Will Stay the Same? Principal providing instructional leadership Pastor heavily involved Parish relationship with school families Parish continues to promote importance of Catholic education Financial assistance & family discounts available Breakfast & lunch programs

28. 27 What Will Change? More effective school = higher quality education for your children Stronger governance model & school management will ensure long term stability of school Curriculum upgrades, technology & quality study materials will help position your children for future success More extracurricular activities, specials and extended summer programs Upgraded school building & facilities for improved learning environment

29. 28 DISCUSSION TOPICS 2010 Initiative South Boston Overview South Boston Catholic Schools Overview Vision for South Boston South Boston Catholic Schools Analysis Process and Timeline

30. 29 GATE OF HEAVEN OVERVIEW Source:School data SOUTH BOSTON Address: 609 E. 4 th Street Classes: Pre-K-8 Enrollment: 205 Capacity: 242 at 20 per grade Student diversity –96% White –2% Hispanic –1.5% Other Tuition –In Parish: $3,800 + 200 School Fundraising Cost/student –$5000 Financial aid –38%receive aid Financial Position: –Positive Catholic: 94% Non-Catholic: 6%

31. 30 GATE OF HEAVEN ENROLLMENT HAS BEEN DECLINING SINCE 2003 Source:ABSCO model; team analysis Gate of Heaven enrollment, 2000-2006 Number of students 2000200120022003200420052006 Gate of Heaven enrollment stayed relatively flat from 2000-2003 However, attendance declined 36% from 2000-2006 Gentrification and suburban migration account for the significant decline SOUTH BOSTON

32. 31 UNSTABLE ENROLLMENT Source:ABSCO model; team analysis Gate of Heaven enrollment by grade, September 2007 Number of students Gr 4Gr 8Gr 1K-2Gr 5Gr 2K-1Gr 6Gr 3PreKGr 7 Gate of Heaven is the only school offering grades7-8 Losses to Charter school in 4 & 5 grade and Exam and Private Catholic in 7 & 8 grade SOUTH BOSTON

33. 32 ST. BRIGID OVERVIEW Source:School data SOUTH BOSTON Address: 866 E. Broadway Classes: Pre K-6 (since 2005) Enrollment: 196 Capacity: 220 at 20 per grade Student diversity –98% White –1.5% Hispanic –.5% African-American Catholic: 98.5% Non-Catholic: 1.5% Tuition –In Parish: $3,900 +$900 school fundraising Cost/student –$5,000 Financial aid –11% receive aid Financial position –Positive

34. 33 ST. BRIGID ENROLLMENT HAS BEEN DECLINING SINCE 2003 Source:ABSCO model; team analysis St. Brigid enrollment, 2000-2006 Number of students 2000200120022003200420052006 0.1% -5.8% St. Brigid enrollment stayed relatively flat from 2000-2002 However, attendance began to decline ~6% annually after 2003 SOUTH BOSTON

35. 34 Source:ABSCO model; team analysis St. Brigid enrollment by grade, September 2007 Number of students Gr 4Gr 1K-2Gr 5Gr 2K-1Gr 6Gr 3PreK St. Brigid has a decline in enrollment after 2 nd grade Decline due to gentrification and suburban migration Loss to Charter schools in grade 4 & 5, to Exam and Private Catholic in grades 7 & 8 SOUTH BOSTON ST. BRIGID ENROLLMENT 2007

36. 35 DISCUSSION TOPICS 2010 Initiative South Boston Overview South Boston Catholic Schools Overview Vision for South Boston South Boston Catholic Schools Analysis Process and Timeline

37. 36 PROCESS AND TIMELINE January 2008 February 2008 March 2008 PHASE 1: Input & Assessment -Pastor -Principals -Teachers -Parents -Legislators -Suffolk Construction DATA SOURCES -City -Catholic Schools Office -Outside Resources PHASE 2: Data Sharing/Survey/ Construction -Pastor -Principals -Teachers -Parents -Legislators Key Dates: Early Feb - Pastors/Principals Mid-Feb Teachers Parents Legislators PHASE 3: Recommendations Development -Outside Consultants -Pastor/Principals -Teachers/Principals -Catholic Schools Office -Cardinal & Cabinet Final Recommendations 3+ Year Plan -Short term -Long Term

38. 37 PROCESS AND TIMELINE Issue parent surveys – week of 12/31/07 Issue principal and teacher surveys week of 1/07/08. All surveys returned week of 1/14/08 Suffolk assessment of school properties by 2/1/08 Survey Analysis Report week of 2/11/08 Presentation of findings parent, teachers and principals week of 2/25/08

39. 38 Questions and Answers