Catholic Leaders Gathered for Fall Conference
Bishop Robert Brennan joined educational leaders at St. John's University to discuss policy and future growth.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Catholicism
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Should federal tax credits be available for donations to private school scholarship organizations?
Bishop Robert Brennan and 160 decision makers met for the fifth annual Catholic Schools Brooklyn & Queens Fall Conference. The gathering focused on institutional progress and pedagogical philosophies under the theme "Bold. Joyful. Unapologetic."
Why it matters
The meeting provided a platform for leadership to address potential changes to school funding models. Officials specifically discussed the impact of proposed federal tax incentives on the long-term sustainability of private education.
The conference hosted 160 decision makers for its fifth annual meeting. Attendees discussed a proposal that would allow federal tax filers to claim a credit of up to $1,700 for donations made to Scholarship Granting Organizations.
The players
Robert Brennan
He serves as the Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn.
Kevin McCormack
He is the superintendent who discussed funding impacts at the conference.
The details
Participants gathered at St. John's University for an informal event featuring a meal and addresses from school leadership. Superintendent Kevin McCormack led discussions regarding the implications of the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, which is currently proposed to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: The Catholic Schools Brooklyn & Queens 2026 Fall Conference was held at St. John's University.
January 1, 2027: The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit is proposed to take effect.
Culture Shift
The conference highlights a growing trend toward seeking federal tax incentives to bolster private education funding. This strategy marks a departure from traditional funding models by leveraging individual tax credits to increase donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations.
Parents and donors in the New York City area may see changes in school funding structures if the proposed credit is implemented in 2027. The policy could influence how individuals approach charitable contributions to local scholarship organizations.
The takeaway
The event underscores the proactive efforts of regional school leaders to engage with upcoming federal policy changes. Implementing such tax credits could provide a significant new avenue for financial support within the local educational community.
Further reading
Learn more about local institutional developments in the Catholicism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Tablet.
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Should federal tax credits be available for donations to private school scholarship organizations?
