Abstract
This paper explores the perceived role of the Catholic School superintendent as catalyst for improving the sustainability of Catholic education. On a national level, Catholic education has been in a state of decline since 1965, experiencing a 60% enrollment loss and closing nearly half of all schools (McDonald & Shultz, 2014). Little research has been conducted on the role of Catholic school superintendents. The role is one that predominantly serves schools in an advisory capacity, with little authority afforded to the superintendent to drive necessary change. Contrary to national averages, some Catholic dioceses are realizing enrollment gains and new models of operation that are leading to improved sustainability of Catholic education. This paper studies two dioceses that began experiencing such success upon the arrival of new superintendent leadership. The study finds that the superintendents inspired stakeholders around an exciting vision of growth. Capacity building in the diocesan central office, new strategic initiatives, improved philanthropic support, and communication were all crucial attributes to turning the vision into action. Outcomes of these efforts included enrollment gains and an improved sense of systemness or collaboration among the schools in the dioceses.|Keywords: Catholic school, superintendent, Catholic school sustainability, Catholic school leadership