The Advisory Council for Elementary Education in Chester County has been working for the last 4 months to provide strategic planning, institutional advancement, professional development and advancing opportunities for Catholic Education at the local county level. The Chester County council, which was originally formed four years ago and re-launched in late February 2013, is the model for four other County Advisory Councils (Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia) being established in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Advisory Council in Chester County was re-launched in response to recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission and was created to better assist the 15 local elementary and regional schools with strategic planning, marketing, enrollment and governance to help sustain, grow, and strengthen their schools.

The 20 member Chester County council includes principals, pastors, parents, two Catholic University representatives and several local business leaders. Council members are selected based upon recommendations made to Bishop John J. McIntyre, who is responsible for overseeing the Chester County region.

The Chester County Advisory Council makes recommendations to the Archdiocesan Executive Board of Elementary Education regarding Chester County Catholic Schools.

In addition, the council is also responsible for the creation and maintenance of The Foundation for Catholic Education in Chester County, a county educational foundation, which includes the establishment and maintenance of a tuition assistance program and gathering financial support from local businesses through the Educational Improvement Tax Credits and other education related State and Federal Funding. The Foundation for Catholic Education in Chester County also sponsors a Hall of Fame Gala held each October. The Foundation selects Hall of Fame inductees who have made significant contributions to Catholic Education in Chester County through their time, talent and dedication.

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Editor's Note: To learn more about The Foundation for Catholic Education in Chester County visit www.Foundationforcatholiceducation.org.

For more information on Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia please visit http://www.catholicschools-phl.org/.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747