COO Update
March 2024
Thank you!
As a Peoria Notre Dame stakeholder, thank you for emulating our common mission of "forming disciples of Jesus Christ in a community of Catholic faith, knowledge, and service." The remarkable momentum has been wonderful to witness. Your support continues to make PND the best high school in the Peoria area.
Consultative Board
Our recent board meeting was held on February 20, 2024. Each domain gave updates on progress outlined by our strategic plan and began to identify key areas of focus for the upcoming year. An exciting and productive discussion was focused around a longer-term vision for the school. Given the significant momentum of recent years and the strong commitment of our leadership team to make mission-driven decisions, we believe that it is a great time to explore a tangible, shared vision that extends through the next decade and beyond. Please see the specific domain updates below.
Academics
Communicated open teaching positions through parish bulletins, at ISU Newman Center educator event, at ISU education job fair, and through parent/guardian and faculty newsletters
Hosted teacher PD and PLCs to gain strategies for teaching one 90-minute block class a week with move to semesters
Ongoing formal teacher evaluations (have about six more to complete) to provide earlier feedback and opportunities for reflection
Had a National Merit finalist
Advancement
- Thank you for your meaningful contributions to progress our mission! The numbers we are seeing are amazing.
- 2021: $687,000
- 2022: $1,160,000
- 2023: $1,335,000
- The numbers above do not include our Empower Illinois donations. The support from our donors that utilized this program is outstanding. Unfortunately, the scholarship program will not continue for the 24-25 school year, but there is a chance for a similar program to be started. I will keep everyone updated as I receive information. In the meantime, please say a prayer that another program will be created which will provide support for our students and donors.
- 2022: $118,000
- 2023: $155,000
- 2024: $620,000 - This amazing increase in donations allowed PND to fully support our entire list of 71 qualified students. Thank you!
- FAN Club - This consolidated method of fundraising for our athletics completely surpassed our initial target goal of $40,000 raised. In our fall and winter seasons, the FAN Club has already generated more than $100,000 in contributions from our donors. Thank you! We also fully recognize that this would not have been possible without the dedication of our coaches, athletic committee, and advancement department.
- The 1863 Society - This new society, which was named for the year Catholic secondary education was established in the Peoria area, recognizes donors who have named Peoria Notre Dame in their estate plans. Multiple donors have become members. Their gifts will support our mission for years to come, and we are excited to see this program grow.
Catholic Identity
All-school Salt & Light event with prayer and adoration
Morning faculty/staff prayer in the chapel with Scripture, reflection questions, and daily prayer
More than 80 students signed up for Magnify and Exodus, which provide opportunities to grow deeper in our faith
Enrollment
Enrollment continues to trend up! Based on the 24-25 currently registered freshmen, total enrollment is already higher than the 23-24 year.
These numbers represent back-to-back total enrollment increases for the first time in 20 years!
Based on grade school data and enrollment efforts, we expect total enrollment to continue to increase.
Facilities
- During the fall, and initiated as part of our strategic plan, an engineering firm reviewed our facility and produced a building assessment that was returned to us in the winter.
- The building assessment, including potential timelines and goals, was reviewed by the Facilities Committee and then discussed at the most recent board meeting. The Facilities Committee will continue to meet and discuss next steps with the goal of ultimately leading to a long-term facility strategy in line with our mission.
- We adjusted roles and responsibilities to include a Facilities Director to take a more proactive approach in managing and maintaining our facilities. I am grateful that Aaron Cunningham shifted into this role.
Finance
- The number of Finance Committee members was expanded to include representation from the majority of our primary schools.
- At our last meeting on February 8, 2024, we reviewed and approved the 24-25 budget. The expected increase in total enrollment and recent momentum in the advancement domain enabled us to balance our initial budget draft.
- Moving forward, our committee will focus on:
- Developing a K-12 tuition model
- Establishing a budgeting process for capital expenditures
Governance
- Governance Committee members have met multiple times throughout the year. The committee has produced and continues to develop:
- Specific training materials and self-evaluations for board members
- Standards and metric systems to measure success of the domains and initiatives supporting the strategic priorities
Student Life
Additions to Phone Free Friday, including Lego-buliding, rosary-making, and senior volleyball competition
Vice Versa dance was a success and included opportunities for students to do more than dance, such as play video games and participate in Just Dance
Cinderella being performed March 8-9 in auditorium
Successful winter sports season
- Girls basketball — won IHSA 2A state tournament and Big 12 Conference
- Boys basketball — won a regional championship
- Boys wrestling — won a regional championship; Ian Akers placed second in his weight class at state tournament
- Girls wrestling — Autumne Williams placed third in her weight class at state tournament
- Dance team — made IDTA state
- Cheerleading — varsity finished 4th in Big 12 conference
- Boys swimming — placed 7th at sectional with all swimmers swimming lifetime bests
Please keep PND in your prayers as we continue to strive to live out our mission.
God bless,