Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston School Consolidation

In February 2009, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston was facing a major public issue and needed help.

This issue dealt with the challenging dynamic of consolidating four schools with dwindling but devoted clients. The Archdiocese operates 62 schools with over 18,000 students. Begala-McGarth worked on the team that researched the issue and history, crafted the message, wrote the talking points and assisted staff as well as Superintendent Sister Kevina Keating and Cardinal Daniel DiNardo. They also helped draft and placed the op-ed that ran in the Houston Chronicle prior to this important community announcement.

Begala-McGrath then managed and convened a press conference where Cardinal DiNardo and Sister Kevina spoke to the media and addressed the difficult but necessary issues surrounding the consolidation. Begala-McGarth also performed considerable follow-up work as the media reported on the issue.

Despite negative comments from some parents understandably disappointed by the announcement, the Archdiocese was able to communicate their main message points and deal with issue in an upfront and straight forward manner outlining the financial challenges and the best path forward. The result was a very successful outcome from a challenging issue.