Mission-Driven Growth: Strategic Planning for Catholic Elementary Schools

Wednesday, March 26, 2025
6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

Presented by Angela Gunderson, MS - President of Meitler (Hales Corners, WI)

Audience: Elementary School Boards

"Mission-Driven Growth" offers a comprehensive exploration of strategic planning specifically tailored for parish elementary schools seeking to thrive in today's educational landscape. This session will provide school leaders with practical frameworks and proven methodologies to develop and implement effective strategic plans that align with their Catholic mission while addressing contemporary challenges. Participants will learn essential components of successful strategic planning, including stakeholder engagement, data-driven decision-making, and creating measurable outcomes that support long-term vitality. Through real-world examples, attendees will gain valuable insights into transforming their strategic vision into actionable steps that promote academic excellence, financial stability, and community engagement. This presentation will equip school leaders with the tools and confidence to lead their institutions toward a successful and viable future.

About Angela Gunderson:

Angela Gunderson has spent her career in Catholic education with over ten years of experience working with Catholic PK-12th grade schools, colleges and universities, seminaries, and parishes. Her expertise includes data and demographics, new school and expansion studies, growth and vitality studies, and strategic planning. She brings commitment, energy, and professionalism to each project.

Before joining Meitler, Angela worked as a Catholic school educator, director of curriculum and instruction, and principal.

In her role at Meitler, Angela has worked in many dioceses and archdioceses around the country, has completed many projects with independent or religious order schools, and has partnered with FADICA and NCEA mentoring Catholic school principals around the country. Other specialized studies she has conducted include assessing teacher and leadership compensation needs at the (arch)diocesan level, studying and assessing school models and options for long-term viability, implementing strategic growth plans, and conducting board training. Angela has presented at national conferences on metrics and best practices for Catholic school vitality and effective funding models. She prides herself on establishing and maintaining excellent personal and business relationships with the clients, lay leadership, and boards she has personally served.

Angela earned her bachelor’s degree in teaching at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside and her master’s degree in education and leadership from Cardinal Stritch University. She and her family are members of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Waterford, WI.