Effective Catholic school governance requires the preparation, empowerment, and collaboration of the community which it serves. Governance with the full participation of the laity is the key to the future of Catholic schools. Catholic schools should be available and financially accessible to Catholic families and to others who support the mission. Federal, state, and local level political action involving the total Catholic community is essential to protect the rights of all students and parents. Advocacy for low income families is essential to tax-supported parental choice in education.
Coalitions are essential for successful political action.
Tax supported systems of educational choice can improve all schools. The most important recommendations for achieving the goals of the National Congress on Catholic Schools for the Twenty-first Century are contained in the directional statements developed for each of the topic areas. These directional statements were prioritized by topic groups and ratified by the assembly. The first statement in each group represents the highest priority for future action. The Catholic Identity of Catholic Schools We will guarantee opportunities for ongoing spiritual formation for Catholic school faculties, staff, and leadership.