Discover the Difference: A Regional Model of Catholic Education

September 1, 2022

Historically, Catholic schools have served as a direct ministry of the parish, with each school operating as an independent entity. However, this traditional parish model for Catholic schools does not consistently deliver sustainable governance and adequate resources to ensure the best in Catholic education. Therefore, the Diocese of Des Moines initiated a strategic planning process to produce a vision and plan to address this challenge. Since January 2021, pastors in the Diocese of Des Moines have met biweekly to research and explore the regionalization concept.

These meetings, informed by Bishop William Joensen and stakeholders in Catholic education, resulted in a recommendation from area pastors that the Catholic schools in the Des Moines area form a PreK-12 regional system. Bishop Joensen fully endorsed the proposal to move to a regional model. This regionalization effort aims to ultimately ensure best practices in education, the long-term viability of our schools, and academic excellence for all students in the Diocese of Des Moines.

"I am grateful for the ongoing work of our pastors, boards, administrators and volunteers who bear the extensive expertise that will propel the regionalization process forward," said Bishop William Joensen.

Currently, Catholic schools in the Des Moines region operate independently regarding budgets, teacher salary, tuition, tuition assistance, and business practices such as payroll, tuition collection, and purchasing. The plan to regionalize the Des Moines schools creates a business model that encourages collaboration, provides greater equity, and improves operational efficiencies across all the schools.

"My experience has shown me the necessity and immense potential of collaboration, a key component of this model as pastors, principals and diocesan leaders work together in new ways," said Dr. Dan Ryan, President of the Des Moines Region Catholic Schools. "We are fortunate in Des Moines to begin this regionalization process in a proactive position to sustain excellence rather than a reactive measure to survive." 

All schools will remain diocesan schools under the regional model. The process will take time, and school families will be provided with updates on progress toward regionalization goals as they occur. Visit https://www.dsmrcsplan.org/#/ for updates on regionalization efforts.

The Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools includes 16 schools in 23 counties in central and southwest Iowa. Catholic schools in the Des Moines Diocese build Christ-centered, collaborative, inclusive partnerships with parents, students, and parishes to provide innovative academic excellence and inspirational faith formation for students. To learn more about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Des Moines, visit www.dmdiocese.org/catholic-schools