🎙️ Episode Title: Thank You Without Asking: A Gratitude Call

👤 Host: John Mihalyo

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this heartfelt short episode, John shares a touching story about receiving an unexpected message from a former student—a reminder of the lasting impact Catholic school leaders have. Inspired by that moment, John challenges fellow principals, advancement directors, and Catholic educators to pause and do something powerful: reach out and say thank you.

No agenda. No ask. Just a sincere word of appreciation.

Whether it’s a parent ambassador, generous donor, or someone who consistently shows up for your school, today’s episode is a call to recognize and celebrate the people who make our school communities special.

💡 What You’ll Take Away:

• A reminder of the lasting influence you have on your students—even years later.
• A challenge to reconnect with key supporters of your school.
• Why gratitude without an ask can deepen trust and build stronger relationships.
• Simple ideas for who to thank and how to make it meaningful.

✅ Action Step:

Today, pick 2–3 people who’ve made a difference for your school.
📞 Call, text, or email them just to say:
“Thank you. I appreciate you.”
No ask. No campaign. Just gratitude.

🙏 Final Thought:

This vocation is sacred—and we never do it alone. Don’t wait until the end of the year or the next gala to show appreciation. The best day to say thank you is today.

☕ Let’s Connect

📅 Book a virtual coffee with me and let’s talk about how to bring more collaboration into your leadership.

🎙️ Episode Title: Introducing: Catholic School Leaders Podcast Shorts

👤 Host: John Mihalyo

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this special kickoff episode, John introduces a brand-new format for The Catholic School Leaders Podcast: short, focused, and timely episodes designed to support Catholic school leaders in just 5–7 minutes.

These “Podcast Shorts” will tackle quick-hit topics, real-life challenges, and questions submitted by listeners—perfect for your morning drive or coffee break. John also shares how you can get involved by submitting your own questions and ideas for future episodes.

Whether you're navigating faculty culture, planning events, or just looking for a boost of inspiration, these new mini-episodes are here to meet you where you are, when you need it most.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• What are Podcast Shorts and how they’ll serve you this school year.
• Why quick, practical episodes are a great companion to in-depth interviews.
• How to submit your own questions or leadership challenges for future episodes.
• John’s commitment to confidentiality and relevance in each topic covered.

✉️ Submit Your Questions:

Have a topic or challenge you’d like John to cover in a short episode?
📬 Email: [email protected]
📌 Subject Line: Podcast Question

🗓️ What’s Coming Up:

• Full-length expert interviews and solo episodes will continue weekly.
• Podcast Shorts will pop up throughout the month with real-time support and quick inspiration.

🙏 Final Word:

John wraps up with a word of encouragement for the new school year and a reminder that you’re not alone in your leadership journey. He’s praying for you—and ready to help.

🎙️ Episode Title: "You’ve Got This: Advice for New (and Veteran) Catholic School Principals"

👤 Host: John Mihalyo
👥 Guest: Julie Delaney, Retired Catholic School Principal & Parish Development Leader

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this reflective and wisdom-packed episode, John sits down with recently retired principal Julie Delaney to explore the most valuable lessons she learned from 17 years of leading a Catholic school. Whether you’re a brand-new administrator or a seasoned principal, Julie’s honest, insightful, and faith-filled reflections offer practical takeaways for building stronger school communities.

From managing parent relationships and navigating tough conversations, to the importance of mission, faculty culture, and self-care—this episode is a must-listen for Catholic school leaders at every stage of their journey.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• Why your mission, vision, and goals must be visible and lived—not just written.
• The importance of face-to-face conversations and how empathy can defuse tension.
• How to balance transparency with confidentiality in parent communication.
• Tips for effective faculty hiring—and the cost of desperation hires.
• Why over-communicating isn't overkill—and how to do it without being repetitive.
• How to use discipline as formation rooted in mercy and faith.
• The blessing and challenge of evangelization in today’s Catholic schools.
• How to guard your time, avoid burnout, and take care of yourself without guilt.
• Julie’s advice to her first-year self—and to anyone starting their leadership journey.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• 🎧 Listen to Julie’s earlier episode on Pastor–Principal Partnerships
• ☕ Book a virtual coffee conversation with John at Elementary Advancement Solutions:
  👉 Schedule here
• Visit Elementary Advancement Solutions for great resources and a list of services offered to help you grow Catholic education at YOUR school!

📬 Subscribe & Share

If this episode encouraged you, inspired you, or gave you something to think about, share it with a fellow leader and leave us a review. Your support helps spread the mission of strong Catholic education leadership.

✨ Podcast Show Notes

Episode: PLCs That Work: Building Collaborative Catholic School Cultures
Guest: Dr. Trevor Timmerberg, Assistant Superintendent, Archdiocese of Louisville
Host: John Mihalyo, Catholic School Leaders Podcast

Description:
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Trevor Timmerberg to explore how Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) can become transformational forces within Catholic schools—not just for student achievement, but for culture, leadership, and teacher growth.

Trevor shares how his former school earned international recognition as a Model PLC School, what it takes to build a guiding coalition, and how to implement PLCs even when you're the only teacher in your grade level.

We also talk about:

• ✅ The 4 essential questions that drive PLCs
• ✅ How to structure collaboration when you only have one teacher per grade
• ✅ Why you don’t need more money or time—you need more focus
• ✅ Leveraging PLCs for vertical alignment and long-term student growth
• ✅ How to design your master schedule with intentionality
• ✅ Creating a culture where peer leadership flourishes
• ✅ The impact of PLCs on MAP testing growth and school-wide success

Whether you’re a Catholic school principal, advancement director, or classroom teacher, this episode offers practical advice and real inspiration for leading your school forward through collaboration.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

• 💬 Connect with Dr. Trevor Timmerberg on LinkedIn
• 🤝 Learn more about Catholic School Mastermind Groups: Set up a call

☕ Let’s Connect

Curious about how a mastermind group can help you grow as a Catholic school leader?
📅 Book a virtual coffee with me and let’s talk about how to bring more collaboration into your leadership.

🎙️ Episode Title: Mentorship That Matters: Building Stronger Catholic Schools One Teacher at a Time

👤 Host: John Mihalyo
👥 Guest: LaCosta Potter, Superintendent, Diocese of Crookston (MN)

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode, John sits down with LaCosta Potter to explore how intentional, faith-driven mentorship is transforming teacher retention and culture across the Diocese of Crookston. LaCosta shares how her diocese has crafted a sustainable and impactful mentorship framework that supports both new and veteran teachers—especially those transitioning from public schools or new to the Catholic faith.

From onboarding with Mass and formation to trust-based observations and diocesan-wide collaboration, LaCosta reveals the systems and spiritual mindset that make their mentorship program both practical and personal. Whether you're a principal, superintendent, or teacher leader, you'll walk away with actionable ideas to implement a mentorship model rooted in mission, clarity, and community.

🧰 Key Takeaways:

• Why mentorship is mission-critical for teacher retention in Catholic schools.
• How to design check-ins that are timely, relevant, and tied to the school calendar.
• Supporting public school teachers in their transition to Catholic education.
• Training and selecting the right mentors—and avoiding the wrong ones.
• What diocesan-wide buy-in really looks like (hint: collaboration beats top-down).
• The power of prayer, formation, and a faith-first approach in mentorship.
• What not to do: common pitfalls and mistakes in mentor program design.
• Why mentorship isn’t just about programs—it’s about people and purpose.

🛠️ Mentioned in the Episode:Trust-Based Observations by Craig Randall
Listen to John’s interview with Craig

☕ Ready to Talk Strategy?

Let’s create an enrollment plan that works for your school. Set up a time to chat with John:
👉 Book a Virtual Cup of Coffee

🔔 Don’t Miss an Episode!

If this episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow Catholic school leaders.

A Game-Changer for Catholic Schools: What You Need to Know About the New Federal Tax Credit
with Brian Jodice, Press Secretary, American Federation for Children

📌 Episode Summary:

In this must-listen episode, John Mihalyo welcomes back Brian Jodice—Catholic school dad, advocate, and Press Secretary for the American Federation for Children—to break down one of the most impactful pieces of legislation Catholic education has seen in decades: the new federal tax credit for K-12 scholarships.

This new tax code change, signed into law on July 4, 2025, creates a 100% federal tax credit that is permanent and uncapped, empowering donors and transforming access to Catholic education. Brian and John dig into what this means for dioceses, school leaders, families, and donors—and what needs to happen now to be ready by 2027.

If you’re a Catholic school leader, parent, pastor, board member, or superintendent, this episode equips you with everything you need to understand, advocate for, and act on this opportunity.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• What the new Educational Choice for Children Act means and how it became law
• How the federal tax credit works and how it's different from state programs
• Who is eligible to receive scholarships under the new law
• What SGOs (Scholarship Granting Organizations) are—and how your diocese or school community can start one
• The importance of state opt-in and how to advocate for it
• Why this tax credit could support up to 85–90% of families
• What schools, dioceses, and families should be doing right now to prepare for 2027
• How Catholic schools can still retain their religious freedom and autonomy
• Why this is a moment of historic opportunity for Catholic education

🛠️ Practical Takeaways:

• School leaders: Start internal conversations, reach out to state reps, and explore SGO creation.
• Dioceses: Begin planning for coordination and leadership around implementation and donor education.
• Parents & Donors: Learn how to advocate, give, and prepare to take part in this program.
• Advancement Directors: Use this as a catalyst to build up your donor base and support strategic tuition assistance.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• 📄 Learn more: Federation for Children – National School Choice
• 📰 Follow Brian Jodice on X (Twitter): @AFCPress
• 📝 Sign up for John’s newsletter: elementaryadvancement.com/newsletter or email [email protected] to get real-time updates on the tax credit and Catholic school strategy

Have questions about how this new tax credit could impact your school? Want help planning next steps for your advancement or enrollment strategy? Grab a virtual cup of coffee with me and let’s talk about how we can strengthen your Catholic school.
📅 Schedule a time here

🎙️ Catholic School Leaders Podcast

Episode Title: Mid-Summer Check-In: Budgeting, Staffing, and Setting the Tone

Host: John Mihalyo

In this episode, I dive into what’s keeping Catholic school leaders up at night in July—and what you can do about it. From budget shortfalls and open teaching positions to enrollment follow-ups and planning a meaningful faculty work week, I break down key priorities and offer practical steps you can take right now to set your school year up for success.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Review your budget and enrollment status—then make a plan
• Reconnect with families who’ve shown interest, even last year
• Advancement directors: know your goal and map your year
• Fill open positions with the right people
• Don’t waste faculty work week—use it to inspire and align your team

🎯 Need help untying the knots?
Let’s talk: elementaryadvancement.com

🎓 Check out this month’s free workshop while you’re there!

Host: John Mihalyo
Guest: Thomas Boles, Founder of I Love My Tech Team

Episode Summary:
In this episode, I sit down with Thomas Boles, Catholic educator and founder of I Love My Tech Team, to talk about one of the most overlooked (and overspent) areas in Catholic schools: technology. We explore the four stages of tech maturity in schools—from “everything is broken” to true innovation—and dig into what it really takes to support teachers, avoid wasted purchases, and build a plan that actually works.

Whether you’re running on outdated hardware, trying to get the most out of your Chromebooks, or dreaming of level 4 innovation, this episode will give you practical, honest advice to make smart tech decisions that serve your mission and your people.

What We Talk About:

• Why so many Catholic schools waste money on tech
• The four tech levels most schools fall into
• Why buying devices without a plan creates long-term headaches
• Smart, affordable fixes for common tech issues (like internet & device management)
• Creative strategies for funding new devices without breaking the bank
• What makes a great tech fee—and how to explain it to families
• Ongoing PD for teachers: why a one-time training won’t cut it
• How technology connects to enrollment, advancement, and culture
• iPads vs. Chromebooks: what to choose and when

Key Takeaways:

• You don’t need more devices—you need a plan.
• Teachers are your greatest asset; support them with relevant PD.
• Technology should be purposeful, not performative.
• Small wins (like a $100 router upgrade) can change everything.
• A tech fee is worth it—if you’re transparent about the value.

Resources Mentioned:

• Visit: ILoveMyTechTeam.com to connect with Thomas Boles
• Book a free consultation with John here!
• Visit Elementary Advancement Solutions for resources, tools, and inspiration! www.elementaryadvancement.com. 

Subscribe & Share
If this episode helped you think differently about technology in your school, please share it with your fellow Catholic school leaders, and don’t forget to subscribe!

🎙️ Episode Title: Trust-Based Observations

🎧 Host:John Mihalyo, Founder of Elementary Advancement Solutions

🎙️ Guest: Craig Randall, Author and Developer of Trust-Based Observations

🧭 Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Catholic School Leaders Podcast, John is joined by Craig Randall, a longtime educator and the mind behind Trust-Based Observations—a model that reimagines how we approach teacher observations in Catholic schools.

Rather than using outdated “check-the-box” models that often diminish trust and spark anxiety, Craig introduces a system built on relationships, consistent feedback, and meaningful reflection. The result? Teachers feel safe to take risks, administrators enjoy observations again, and schools foster cultures of innovation and joy.

This is a must-listen for principals and school leaders looking to improve instructional coaching, strengthen teacher relationships, and create an environment where everyone gets better—together.

🛠️ Tools & Resources:

• Craig’s book: Trust-Based Observations (available on Amazon)
• Website: www.trustbased.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Title II Funding is often available for training
• Diocese and international school training available

📣 Call to Action:

If you’re ready to build a culture where teachers feel seen, supported, and excited to grow, visit www.trustbased.com or email Craig directly at [email protected].

Want help building a strategy for your school? Head over to www.elementaryadvancement.com and set up a time to connect with John.

Set Up a Time to Meet with John Mihalyo.

Thanks for tuning in to The Catholic School Leaders Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow Catholic educators. Let’s keep the conversation going and continue to grow Catholic education together.

What if we treated our sports fields and courts like classrooms—where faith, character, and Catholic values are just as important as the final score?

In this episode, I sit down with Patrick McLaughlin, Principal of St. Francis Prep—the largest private Catholic high school in the country—to talk about the transformative power of athletics in Catholic schools.

Patrick shares how his team created a program to align athletics with Catholic mission—working with students, coaches, parents, and even the diocese to build a culture of sportsmanship, respect, and faith-filled leadership. This is an inspiring, practical conversation that every Catholic school leader, coach, and athletic director needs to hear.

Get your notepad ready—you’ll walk away with ideas you can implement in your school, no matter the size or budget.

Key Takeaways:

• Athletics as a Classroom: The court, the field, the rink—these aren’t separate from the school’s mission; they’re classrooms where Catholic identity must shine.
• The Power of a Unified Vision: How St. Francis Prep’s “Captain’s Club” trains student-athletes to lead with character—and how coaches and fans are part of the same team.
• The Five Cs: Catholicity, Competence, Character, Civility, and Citizenship—core values that guide all athletic programs in their diocese.
• Coaches as Educators: Coaches must model Catholic values, just like teachers. If you’d address it in the classroom, you address it in athletics too.
• Collaboration Across Schools: The program’s success is built on diocese-wide buy-in, top-down support from leadership, and bottom-up enthusiasm from students.
• The Courage to Lead: It takes courage to hold coaches, athletes, and fans accountable—even when it’s hard.
• Why This Matters: Very few student-athletes will play at the next level, but all of them will enter society as Catholic citizens. What lessons are we teaching them now?

Connect with Us:

• Visit elementaryadvancement.com for more resources, tools, and coaching opportunities.
• Let’s chat about how we can support your school—reach out for a virtual coffee!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your network. Together, we’re making a lasting impact on Catholic education.