We Are Central

Strategic Plan 2025-2030

Building Toward 100 Years of Excellence

Introduction

Central Catholic High School, founded by the Marist Brothers, enrolls over 1,200 students from over 60 communities in three states. The strategic planning process began in August of 2024 and culminated in a comprehensive report guiding the school's progress for the next five years – through to 2030.

Key to the development of this Strategic Plan was the Strategic Planning Committee consisting of representatives from various constituencies.

We have been blessed by the inspired leadership and stewardship of many people throughout our 90-year history, beginning with the foresight and vision of Brother Florentius and continuing today with the current leadership of the Marist Brothers, the Board of Directors, the School President, and the Principal. Working together, they continuously strive to put the faculty, staff, and students in the best possible position to succeed.

Strategic Planning Committee Members

Heather Angell ’00
- Religious Studies Teacher
Zachary Blaszak
- Director of Athletics & Activities
David Erwin
- Chief Advancement Officer
Lisa Finneran
- School & College Counseling
Susan Gosselin
- Principal, Saint Michael School
Jodi Linnehan Kriner
- Director of Strategic Initiatives & Innovation
Christopher Merrill ’89
- Director of Strategic Communications
Andrew Murray
- Principal
Gisselle Perez ’00
- Board of Directors
Lynelia Raposo ’00
- Parent
Richard Scott
- Parent
Christopher Sullivan ’81
- President
Mark Svendsen
- Mathematics Teacher
Michael Woronka ’86
- Board of Directors

#1 Marist & Catholic

#1 We Are Marist & Catholic

Our Marist Catholic identity is intrinsic to who we are as a school and community. We ensure that faith formation is a part of daily life by creating meaningful opportunities for service, prayer, and reflection.

We are inspired by the teachings of Saint Marcellin Champagnat and respond on a daily basis to the call of our school’s mission, to make Jesus known and loved.

Student holding BLUE water sign on service trip

In this spirit, Central Catholic High School will:

IGNITE

spiritual and social growth by affirming and supporting a dynamic Campus Ministry as the heart of spiritual life at Central Catholic High School

Reimagine

a service program that leads students and adults to form meaningful relationships with one another and those served

Offer

mission-driven experiences rooted in Marist values that invite students and adults into deeper faith and connection

Integrate

spiritual growth into academics, activities, and relationships in ways that are visible, inclusive, and authentic

Marist Brother giving Communion to a student

“Through acts of service, we are inspired to treat each other well.”Breanna, Lowell, MA

#2 Academic Excellence

#2 We Are Committed to Academic Excellence & College Success

Central Catholic High School is committed to academic excellence. While this commitment is rooted in our Marist tradition, we recognize that success in college and life is an ever-changing dynamic.

In this spirit, Central Catholic High School will:

Design

a bold academic roadmap for the future

Empower

faculty to lead innovation

Build

a culture of continuous improvement that keeps our academic program relevant and future-focused

Evolve

curriculum to reflect our mission-driven goals, real-world experiences, global trends, and student interests

“When I come to school, I'm excited to learn. I always feel like my teachers and classmates are willing to help me.”Jayson, Salem, NH

#3 Building Community

#3 We Are Building Community: Enrollment

Central Catholic is proud to attract students who reflect the promise, diversity, and values of our school and mission. Our students become their best selves as active, contributing members of our Marist community.

In this spirit, Central Catholic High School will:

Build

an innovative, mission-driven enrollment management ecosystem

Strengthen

and grow community partnerships to ensure that we attract a diverse student population who have the promise to fulfill and embody the school’s mission

Enhance

admissions events through immersive, student-led experiences

“The CCHS community has made me a better student, friend, and person.”Adam, Hampstead, NH

#4 Innovative & Welcoming

#4 We Are Innovative & Welcoming: Our Campus

Central Catholic will continue to ensure that our campus remains a modern, sustainable, and safe facility that supports a holistic educational experience.

In this spirit, Central Catholic High School will:

Create

flexible, engaging environments that reflect evolving teaching and learning needs

Assess

the need for expansion, both on our current footprint and beyond

Explore

sustainability best practices that reflect care for our common home

Establish

and implement a facilities care process to ensure continuous improvement

Identify

opportunities to expand athletic facilities

Students sitting in front of Mary statue

“From Friday night Football games to Visions Coffeehouse performances, we come together to cheer on our fellow Raiders.”Aidan, Haverhill, MA

#5 Forever Family

#5 We Are Forever Family: Alumni & Advancement

The support and participation of our alumni and the greater community is essential to the long-term success of Central Catholic. We continue to provide opportunities for alumni, parents, and friends to participate in the mission of the school.

In this spirit, Central Catholic High School will:

Develop

and implement a long-term advancement plan to expand alumni and stakeholder engagement

Strengthen

and grow the Annual Fund and additional giving initiatives

Explore

the goals and feasibility of a potential capital campaign

“This is a safe place to step out of your comfort zone and get involved.”Gabriella, Hudson, NH

#6 Strong & Focused

#6 We Are Financially Strong & Focused

Central Catholic offers a world-class education while maintaining one of the lowest tuition rates among private and Catholic college preparatory schools in the region. We are able to do this through enrollment management, philanthropy, effective stewardship, and the responsible use of resources.

The Mission of Central Catholic High School

Central Catholic High School makes Jesus known and loved. We educate the whole person for college and for life, with particular care for the least favored and those in need.

In this spirit, Central Catholic High School will:

Ensure

that our tuition assistance model remains mission-aligned

Develop

a funding model that ensures competitive compensation

Strengthen

long-term financial sustainability through strategic planning and investment

Explore

diversified revenue streams to support future innovation and mission-driven growth

“Your CCHS experiences will change your life and enable you to change the lives of others.”Shawn, Methuen, MA

#7 Strong Leadership

#7 We Are Committed to Strong Leadership

Central Catholic has been blessed by the inspired leadership and stewardship of many people throughout our 90-year history. We celebrate the diversity and the varied talents and skills of our board, administration, faculty, and staff as we foster a positive school culture and climate.

In this spirit, Central Catholic High School will:

Develop

and implement a comprehensive, mission aligned leadership succession strategy

Mentor

future leaders who embrace our Marist Catholic Identity

Recruit

and retain a highly qualified community who reflect the diversity of our students

Cultivate

a culture and climate of belonging, growth, and shared mission

“Central Catholic is defined by the leadership of our teachers, staff, and administrators who serve with dedication each and every day.”Jodi Linnehan Kriner, The 8th President of CCHS

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Join us as we plan for the future!

"I am interested in learning more about We Are Central: Building Toward 100 Years of Excellence and would like to be informed about potential focus groups, listening sessions, and funding opportunities."

Join Us: Strategic Plan 2025-2030

View the PDF of the Strategic Plan in a Flipping Book

We Are Raiders

We are a forever family. Our students are inspired to improve the world through faith, hard work, and an exceptional commitment to making every moment count.