Q1: Why is it the right time to create the Fresno Catholic School (FCS) system?
A1.  There are several reasons why now is the right time to create the FCS system.  Looking at the enrollment level over the past 6 years and the changing demographics within our service area reflect the available number of school age students will continue to decline.  Relocating all the non-academic functions of our schools to a central office allows each campus Principal the ability to focus on the educational mission of the school. The system approach offers economies of expertise where experienced personnel will be responsible for the vision of the school's finances, advancement, marketing, enrollment, technology and facilities.

Q2.      What does the organizational chart for the new system approach look like?
A2:  The San Joaquin Memorial Junior High will be part of the new Fresno Catholic School system and they will have their own Principal.  The San Joaquin Junior Memorial High Principal will report to the system President, just like the other campuses within the system. 

Q3.  What was the final recommendation from the Diocesan Task Force assembled to study the question of a SJM Junior High and/or a Fresno Catholic School system?
A3. The final recommendation from the Task Force was to create a system with four campuses (St. Helen’s, St. Anthony’s, SJM Junior High and SJM).  Each campus will have its own Principal who will focus on the day-to-day operations of the school.  The system office will be responsible for the school's vision, finance, advancement, marketing, enrollment, technology and facilities.  This recommendation reached by looking at other Catholic schools and Catholic school systems around the country, and discerning what is in the best interest of our Fresno Catholic Schools.  The creation of a Fresno Catholic School system was unanimously recommended. 

Q4. At any point will the Diocese of Fresno force the schools not participating in the Fresno Catholic School System to participate?
A4.  No school will be forced to join the system.  Participation in the school system will continue to be on a voluntary basis, just as it was for SJM, St. Helen’s and St. Anthony’s.

Q5. What was the makeup of the task force who studied the date from the report? 
A5. The task force was a representative group of faculty/staff at all three schools along with parents and board members who represented each of our three school communities.

Q6. Why is OLPH not part of this Junior High School?
A6.  All of our Catholic schools in the immediate area were given the opportunity to participate in the new system. OLPH, like St. Joachim's, decided to remain a parish school.

Q7. What is the next step in the development of the junior high and system?
A7. The next logical step in the growth of the junior high and system is to build a task force that will address all the issues necessary for a successful start.  Items such as governance, facilities, personnel and policies will be some of the first topics that need to get settled to then move into the more traditional school issues.  Tangible school issues like curriculum, scheduling, faith formation, activities and athletics will be shaped and formed by the policies developed by the task force. 

Q8. How will the Board of Directors be developed?
A8.  The board will take shape through the work of the task force, who will promote a structure, bylaws and mode of operation to the diocese. Having one board for all four schools of the system will require being knowledgeable of  best practices for Catholic school boards, what are the particular needs of our schools and what will serve our communities best.