An examination of the organizational structure of the Chicago Archdiocese Office of Catholic Schools and perceptions of its impact on Catholic school success

Various researches done in the past about Catholic education have centered on different aspects of Catholic schools. However, none has explicitly addressed the organizational/governance structure and the perception of the key individuals as to whether and how the structure affects the success of Catholic schools as measured by its mission statement. Therefore, this research study examined the organizational/governance structure of the Office of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago and from the perception of the individuals in this office determined whether and how the structure affects the success of Catholic schools. Data gathering methods used in this research case study included interviews, memos, observation and documents. The following questions were used in this research study: (1) What is the organizational/governance structure of the Office of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago? (2) In consideration of the mission statement, in your perception, does the organizational/governance structure in the Chicago Archdiocese Office of Catholic Schools affect the success of Catholic schools? (3) In consideration of the mission statement, how does the organizational/governance structure in the Chicago Archdiocese Office of Catholic Schools affect the success of Catholic schools?;The responses of the key individuals were compared to the four critical components of the mission statement, which are: (a) Evangelize and educate Catholic students for the Church's mission, (b) Provide opportunities for educational excellence in the Catholic Christian tradition, (c) Commit to help each student develop his/her potential for conscious, responsible living, healthy relationships and leadership and (d) Act as good stewards to make Catholic schools vital, affordable and accessible across the Archdiocese.;The findings of this study identified the existence of an organizational/governance structure in the Office of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago. From the perceptions of the individuals interviewed, this structure affects the success of the Catholic schools in numerous ways. The Office sees itself as operating on a system-wide level from the Central Office to the six Vicariates and down to the local levels. The findings also showed that the organizational structure of the Office of Catholic Schools has an emerging new structure that will incorporate a governing board of limited jurisdiction that will affect the role of the Superintendent. Hopefully, the new structure will help the Office of Catholic Schools provide resources that will make the schools more Catholic, excellent, vital and sustainable over time.