This question was the focus of the webinar “Sustainable Schools: A Strategic Rethinking,” presented by Mr. Rony Ahlfeldt, adviser to the General Bursar, on April 23 and 24.The event was organized by the International Council for Economic Affairs and the Office of the General Bursar and moderated by Br. Goyo Linacero, Assistant to the General Bursar. It was the fourth in a series of webinars exploring strategic issues that impact the Marist educational mission.
In his presentation, Ahlfeldt reflected on current challenges facing Catholic education worldwide. He noted that recent data show a sustained decline in Catholic schools in many regions. Beyond structural changes, he suggested that this trend may also point to a need for renewed strategic clarity in the educational mission.
To address this complex reality, Ahlfeldt outlined three key processes that can guide strategic planning in schools and educational networks:
Strategic diagnosis focuses on identifying both challenges and opportunities. This process examines the internal strengths and weaknesses of an organization while also analyzing the broader educational context in which it operates.
Value proposition refers to the unique set of benefits that a school offers to families and students. Ahlfeldt highlighted several elements that can help shape a strong value proposition, including a clear religious identity, innovation in teaching and learning, strong academic outcomes, support for university preparation, bilingual education, a welcoming community environment, the promotion of values and human development, as well as opportunities in sports, arts, and technology.
Strategic positioning involves making deliberate decisions about the kind of value an institution will create and how it will distinguish itself within the educational landscape. This process aligns an organization’s internal strengths with the needs and realities of the communities it serves.
Ahlfeldt also emphasized several essential elements for effective leadership and management in education today, including vision and strategic thinking, understanding the broader social and educational context, data literacy, innovation, sustainable decision making, and effective operational management.
As part of this process, Ahlfeldt encouraged schools and ministries to develop a strategic map that clearly outlines diagnosis, positioning, value propositions, strategic priorities, and key performance indicators.
“Vision becomes concrete when you have a map,” he explained. “It allows us to see what we have done, what we are doing now, and where we are heading.”
The webinar offered participants an opportunity to reflect on how Marist educational ministries can continue to adapt, innovate, and remain faithful to their mission while responding to the changing realities of education around the world.
