MACSC in the News
The Mid-Atlantic Catholic Schools Consortium (MACSC) has been in the news recently The Consortium is mentioned throughout the recently released United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) report, A Nationwide Response to Renewing our Commitment to Catholic Elementary & Secondary Schools. It is included in the Introduction and among the examples of different efforts "... others have taken in response to Renewing our Commitment." The report is available from NCEA Publications.
Consortium's work recognized in Boston Globe Op-Ed article "Silver Lining for Struggling Dioceses" November 28, 2007
MACSC and Archdiocese of Washington Collaborate in energy procurement project Executive Director gave keynote at Friends of Catholic Education annual award dinner
Consortium presented at the recent Annual CACE Conference Executive Director, presented at The Philanthropy Roundtable meeting
Consortium publishes monograph, Courageous Renewal, Press Release, August 30
Archived news items
MACSC and Archdiocese of Washington Collaborate in energy procurement project The Mid-Atlantic Catholic Schools Consortium and the Archdiocese of Washington have collaborated to form an energy cooperative which will enable the diocesan and independent, parishes and other archdiocesan properties to benefit from the strategic procurement of electricity and natural gas. CQI Associates serves as the consultant for this project and brings considerable expertise in energy conservation, energy management and the procurement of electricity and natural gas through co-operative purchasing. Over 60 parishes, diocesan and independent schools and other Catholic locations in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties have joined the voluntary co-operative for the purchasing of electricity. The anticipated savings for electricity in the first 12 months for these locations will be approximately $370, 000. Each location should begin to see the cost savings no later than the bill that arrives following their November meter read. While these initial savings are impressive, it is important to note that electricity costs are expected to increase 10 -12 % each year. However, under the terms of this contract, parishes, diocesan and independent schools and other Archdiocesan locations will have long-term protection against these inevitable increases and increased control over their budget planning and management. The recruitment of parishes, diocesan and independent schools and other Archdiocesan locations in the District of Columbia will begin in January 2008. Energy conservation workshops will also be offered so as to help lower energy consumption while reducing costs.
Back to Top Consortium presented at the recent Annual CACE Conference Dr. Mary Ellen Hrutka and Dr. Ronald Valenti presented a session at the recent Annual CACE Conference recently held in Covington KY. Their session provided an informative update on the recent successes and advances of the recently formed Consortium in Region 4A. The Mid-Atlantic Catholic Schools Consortium has created a collaborative model that will fortify the collective efforts of meeting the challenges facing Catholic education in this region. Superintendents Dr. Patricia A. Weitzel-O’Neill and John Elcesser also participated in the discussion of the work of the Consortium. The session closed with a sharing of the Closing Session from the Consortium’s Summit. The Chief Administrators of Catholic Education (CACE) Annual Meeting is held each fall and brings together members from the Total Catholic Education, Schools and Religious Education Divisions of CACE. During the four-day meeting, opportunities for liturgies, prayers, speakers, meetings and social gatherings are available for the benefit of CACE members.
Back to Top Executive Director Presented at Philanthropy Roundtable Mary Ellen Hrutka, MACSC Executive Director, presented at The Philanthropy Roundtable meeting, “Who Will Save Catholic Schools.” Dr. Hrutka represented MACSC on a panel “How Philanthropists Can Strengthen Catholic Education.” The meeting addressed how philanthropists—both Catholic and non-Catholic—can revitalize Catholic schools and strengthen the education they provide, especially for underserved children.
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