8 C O R D E C H O S P I R I T . M I N D . B O D Y . A S T R AT E G I C A P P R O A C H T O S H A’ S 1 5 0 T H “In an ever changing society the Strategic Planning Process is vital in sustaining SHA’s relevance in the WNY Academic community. It creates a LIVE plan that can be reviewed, monitored and revised based on the needs of the community SHA serves. The process also includes all stakeholders. EVERYone is heard and their voice is valued through this process.” KERÉ PATTERSON-BOYD ’92 MAY - JUNE 2022 JULY 2022 SHA surveyed students, faculty, parents, alumnae and past parents. More than 1,000 surveys were completed. Roundtables, focus groups and interviews of all stakeholder groups occurred, allowing 125 individuals to share in depth insight with Domain Chairs. s Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart approaches our 150th year in 2027, we are taking a strategic look at all areas or “domains” associated with the Academy. Seven domains have been identified, all centered around Mission Integration and our Franciscan Charism. Commissioned by Head of School, Jennifer Demert in conjunction with the Board of Directors and Sisters of St. Francis, the planning process is guided by Partners in Mission. Partners in Mission is a national, full-service consulting and professional education firm focused exclusively on developing excellence in Catholic schools. Board member, Sister Terri Miklitsch, the liaison between the Sisters of St. Francis’ Provincial Council and SHA and SHA board member, is excited about strategic planning and the impact it will have on SHA. She reflects, “It is critical that every few years the plan is reviewed and revised in light of changes in educational policies and procedures, changes in leadership, changes in the psychosocial development of young women, and based on our understanding of core Franciscan values upon which SHA was founded. How our young women learn, how they are impacted by society, how our faculty and staff respond is an ever-changing process. Foundational to this process is a central belief that SHA also was founded to meet the needs of the larger community. Therefore, strategic planning leads to transformation on all levels. As SHA moves into the future, the board and Academy leadership will continue to govern with Franciscan values and core beliefs that respect the dignity of all. The future of SHA is built on the strengths of current students, faculty, staff and administrators as well as on the shoulders of our foremothers, alumnae, board members and many more women and men who support our mission.” “With rapid and ever-changing academic demands upon schools to position students for collegiate, post graduate and career success, it is imperative to reflect, focus, and formulate a collaborative and dynamic strategy for meeting the challenges we face, that leverages our strengths and fosters the well being of our students.” LAURA YUSICK “SHA is casting a wide and inclusive net, inviting input and insights from the broad community of stakeholders. This collective wisdom is so powerful - not only will it equip us to tackle current challenges, but through this process, I believe the community will emerge stronger and ready to face future challenges as well.“ ALICIA CUMMINGS MCGLINCHEY ’83 “Strategic planning is an important time to step back and objectively look at what you do, why you do it, and to see if there are ways to do it better. Empowering girls to grow in mind, body and spirit plus the integration of Franciscan values into the all-girls, Catholic education is what sets SHA apart and makes it truly unique.” NANCY ZAHM HEJAILY ’88
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