Strategic plan

Walking Together: Bringing the Strategic Plan to Life in Catholic Education

The Diocese of Buffalo’s Strategic Plan is more than a document — it is a shared commitment to strengthen Catholic education through collaboration, clarity and faith-filled leadership.

At its core, this work is an exercise in synodality. Through new governance models, the diocese is committing to walk together with pastors, principals, educators, parents and lay leaders to build a school network that thrives long into the future. Ongoing dialogue, regular communication and a spirit of collaboration reflect what it means to be a Synodal Church.

 

A Plan Built Together
The strategic plan was developed through a broad process that included voices from across the diocesan community- principals, pastors, chaplains, educators, parents, donors, parish leaders, Catholic school partners and even students. In addition, we have spent the last 6 months facilitating dialogue with those who have expressed concerns about the model as well as dozens of our current schools boards at the local level. We also studied school systems around the country that have successfully navigated similar challenges and emerged stronger.

 

A Clear Goal
While the plan includes multiple strategic focus areas and dozens of initiatives over the next three years, the primary goal is clear: To reduce the significant administrative burden and duplicative work placed on school and pastoral leaders, while strengthening coordination and shared support across our Catholic school network.

Over the next 12 months, the diocese will migrate to one unified school network with aligned leadership, shared infrastructure and consistent standards creating a solid foundation for future growth.

 

Shared Responsibility with Accountability
This approach honors both subsidiarity and accountability. Schools will retain their unique identity and mission while operating within a framework of shared responsibility and clearly defined roles. Strong governance ensures diocesan confidence that schools are academically excellent, financially viable and strategically positioned.

 

Strengthening Student Outcomes

The strategic plan prioritizes student success through:

● Academic rigor and curriculum enhancement

● Professional development for teachers

● Thoughtful integration of technology

● Expanded extracurricular opportunities

● A greater focus on student well-being

 

Opportunities to Serve

This transformation cannot happen without committed leaders. Clergy and laity are invited to serve on diocesan boards, committees, and local school commissions bringing their expertise, faith and perspective to this important work. Together, we walk forward united in mission and hopeful for the future of Catholic education.

 

Inaugural Diocesan Board of Directors

As part of our petition to the New York State Education Department to unify our schools into one Catholic school system, we are required to establish a Board of Directors to provide governance in accordance with New York State guidelines. Bishop Michael Fisher and Superintendent of Schools Joleen Dimitroff have selected the following community members to serve on the Inaugural Board of Directors. These individuals will be tasked with collaboratively developing the bylaws, governance structures, and operational framework necessary to support our unified system:

Robert Bennett

Martha Lamparelli

Christopher Murphy

Robert Scott

Rev. Steven Jekielek

We are deeply grateful to these leaders for their willingness to serve the mission of Catholic education in Western New York. Their work will lay a strong foundation for the future of our schools.This Inaugural Board will also assist in identifying and selecting individuals to fill the remaining board seats.

Individuals interested in serving on the Diocesan Board of Directors are invited to submit a Letter of Interest and résumé to Superintendent Joleen Dimitroff at jdimitroff@buffalodiocese.org.

Together, we continue building a unified, sustainable, and faith-filled future for Catholic education.

 

  

Please see our detailed Strategic Plan here. 

Read our FAQ here.