NABCCCE

2003 Outstanding Board Award

Fort Dodge Catholic Schools Board of Education
Fort Dodge, Iowa

This is a story of effective long-range planning that began in 1988 with a group of parish schools blighted by mounting debt. Survival depended upon vision, planning, and new models of operation. This involved implementation of a president/principal model of administration, supported by a business manager, development director, and director of information. Further planning involving NABCCCE and other service providers led ultimately to consolidation on a single campus with one elementary, one middle, and one secondary school under the direction of a single board.

The result has been financial stability, increased enrollment, more effective use of resources, greater unity, and a sharper focus on Catholic school philosophy.

Charged with the daunting task of governing such a system, the Fort Dodge Catholic Schools Board of Education organized a $7.3 million capital campaign to complete construction projects. What’s more, this 18-member, limited jurisdiction, policy-making board, representing seven parishes, maintains a positive impact on virtually every aspect of school life through standing committees that include: Spiritual Life, Academics, Administration, Finance, Student Services, Technology, Athletics, Policy, Review Building and Grounds, and Marketing.