On January 2006 the Archdiocese of Baltimore published its Factors of Viability, a document that identified the major elements to keep a school strong and secure. This document evolved from the Archdiocese’s strategic plan “As One Body… We Celebrate… We Challenge…”.

The Factors of Viability help to chart a course of action where the school leadership takes proactive measures to fend off those challenges that can negatively affect the school’s stability.

The document is formatted in a grid form by identifying ten factors that act as benchmarks for assessing the school’s viability. Each factor is labeled with identifying elements which are specifically defined. The grid further expands the factor by stating its importance, provides some best practices, expands some of the risks if not met and the need for self assessment.

The factors of viability act as the catalyst for serous dialog and collaboration, which stimulates a thoughtful process for strategic planning. It must be established from the outset that the factors of viability must be used in pragmatic and realistic terms. The factors assist in setting goals as well as to heighten awareness of what must be done to keep our schools strong.