What is the Blue Ribbon Commission?

The Blue Ribbon Commission is an appointed strategic advisory group of well-respected leaders from all backgrounds across the Archdiocese and beyond. These leaders have been tasked with undertaking a comprehensive study of our elementary schools, secondary schools and religious education programs, and developing a multi-year strategic plan to realign and strengthen Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

What is the goal of the Blue Ribbon Commission?

The Blue Ribbon Commission serves chart the future course of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. It will examine current programs at all levels with the objective of defining a strategic plan reflecting current realities with respect to demographics, staffing, facilities and financing to assure a sustainable Catholic education system that fulfills the Church’s mission of educating youth to be contributing members of the Church and society.

Who are the members of the Blue Ribbon Commission?

For a full list of members in the Blur Ribbon Commission, please click here.

Who selected and appointed the members of the Blue Ribbon Commission?

Cardinal Justin Rigali, in consultation with his Auxiliary Bishops and the Archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education.

What is the difference between the Archdiocesan Board of Education and the Blue Ribbon Commission?

The Blue Ribbon Commission is a strategic group of talented individuals from diverse backgrounds appointed by Cardinal Justin Rigali for a well-defined and finite research, planning & analysis process that will commence and conclude in 2011 with the deliverable of a strategic multi-year plan for Catholic education across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Similar to the Blue Ribbon Commission, The Board of Education is an advisory group of accomplished individuals with a wide array of experience that serve as a source of guidance and expertise to the staff of the Office of Catholic Education in many capacities over a multi-year term. Some members of the Board of Education have been appointed by his Eminence to participate in the Blue Ribbon Commission.

Who is the leader of the Blue Ribbon Commission?

Jack Quindlen will serve as chairman of the Blue Ribbon Commission. Mr. Quindlen most recently served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for DuPont in Wilmington, Del. He retired from DuPont as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Office of the Chairman.

Mr. Quindlen is an alumnus of several Catholic institutions, including Most Blessed Sacrament, West Catholic High School and Villanova University. He is a demonstrated leader in Catholic life, serving as a member of the Villanova Board of Trustees, past President of the Archdiocesan Board of Education and a member of the finance councils for both the Diocese of Wilmington and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Mr. Quindlen chaired the Building Committee to design and build Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown and he chaired the Building Committee to design and build Pope John Paul II High School which opened in Royersford, Montgomery County in September 2010.