An Interview with NCEA President Dr. Steven Cheeseman
NCEA President Dr. Steve Cheeseman joins John Mihalyo to talk about what he's seeing in Catholic schools across the country, a new fellowship for future Catholic school leaders, and what leaders can do right now to get ready for the federal tax credit.
After two years on the road, more than 30 dioceses, and well over 100 Catholic schools, Dr. Steve Cheeseman keeps coming back to the same word. Hope. In this conversation, the president of the National Catholic Educational Association shares why he sees it everywhere, from big-city schools to Native American reservations, and why roughly 40 percent of Catholic schools now have waiting lists. Steve and John talk about investing in people before programs, why Catholic schools don't need to chase public schools, and what it means to stay rooted in mission and the dignity of every child.
After two years on the road, more than 30 dioceses, and well over 100 Catholic schools, Dr. Steve Cheeseman keeps coming back to the same word. Hope. In this conversation, the president of the National Catholic Educational Association shares why he sees it everywhere, from big-city schools to Native American reservations, and why roughly 40 percent of Catholic schools now have waiting lists. Steve and John talk about investing in people before programs, why Catholic schools don't need to chase public schools, and what it means to stay rooted in mission and the dignity of every child.
Steve also walks through the NCEA's new framework and its three priorities: being the national voice for Catholic schools, forming teachers and leaders in both faith and operational vibrancy, and connecting schools across the country so no leader has to figure things out alone. He gives listeners an early look at the new De La Salle Fellowship, a program supported by the Christian Brothers that helps aspiring Catholic school administrators build the skills, mentors, and network they'll need before they ever step into the principal's office.
Then the conversation turns to the federal tax credit. Steve explains where things stood at the time of recording, why this is about kids and not public versus private, how donors can still claim the credit even if their state doesn't opt in, and why advancement teams need to start thinking differently now. As he puts it, Starbucks makes its money one cup of coffee at a time. The episode closes with a preview of the NCEA convention in Indianapolis and a word of gratitude for everyone doing this work: it isn't easy work, but it is holy work.
Federal tax credit details reflect what was known at the time of recording in September 2026.
Watch the full video interview: youtube.com/@ElementaryAdvancement
Learn more about the NCEA: ncea.org
Work with John: elementaryadvancement.com
Contact John: elementaryadvancement.com
Contact Steve: scheeseman@ncea.org
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