Title
Financial Crisis in Catholic Education: An Evaluation Study of Three Alternative Funding Models.
Date of Award
Summer 6-13-2018
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate of Education, Ed.D.
College
College of Education
Department
Education
First Advisor
Sally Evans, Ed.D.
Second Advisor
Becky Copper, Ed.D.
Third Advisor
Jeanette Amayo, Ed.D.
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to examine three different funding models for Catholic Education, and explore how the models meet the goals of Catholic Identity and education. In addition, the study looked to find the feasibility of these particular alternative funding methods to meet any deficiencies seen in school enrollment of at-risk students. The decline in Catholic school education opportunities, specifically within urban areas, is due in part to an exodus of parishioners relocating from urban to suburban areas. This trend affected the traditional Catholic educational funding model as Catholic schools primarily derive support from local parishes within those urban areas. Furthermore, the decline in the supply of nuns who serve as educators resulted in tuition increases to cover the additional cost of salaried teachers in place of the nuns who taught for little or no salary. The rising tuition has made the opportunity to achieve a Catholic education less accessible and affordable for the marginalized population. This study explores three nontraditional funding models that are focusing efforts on revitalizing Catholic education, within urban areas. The Voucher, Corporate/Cristo Rey, and Philanthropy methods were researched through a qualitative evaluation study in an effort to better understand the sustainability and impact each model has on Catholic education. Participants from each model were interviewed to add depth to the document review and enhance understanding from a first person perspective. The major findings revealed a need for funding reform to ensure Catholic education achieves its goals and all models studied have made a significant positive impact on the achievement of those goals. The Voucher model was seen to be the most effective and sustainable across the board as its financial provisions from the government provided a more stable and consistent revenue source.