Effective School Boards June 11, 2011 Sr. Kevina Keating, CCVI Superintendent Dr. George Laird Associate Superintendent Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Prayer Open our inner eyes so that we may know You in all the dimensions of our lives. Help us to trust You in the numerous ups and downs, to believe that Your song can happen in all aspects of our existence. Amen

Basic Elements of School Board Membership “Serving on a Catholic School Board is a Ministry” 1.Membership incorporates a Spiritual Dimension whereby members use the process of discernment to make recommendations; 2.Provide a service for the school community and serve in an advisory role to the principal and pastor;

Elements Cont. 3.Be open-minded, and use valid / reliable data to make informed recommendations for school improvement; 4. Understand and help implement the school’s mission for the improvement of the school by identifying and articulating the educational needs and aspirations of the school and school community.

Elements Cont. 5.Serve and function as a group and NOT as individuals in making recommendations to the administration; and, 6. Represent the school as ‘good-will’ ambassadors and NOT as conduits to the administration for parental complaints.

Role of a School Board Member “School Boards are Advisory to the Principal and Pastor” Key Areas of Focus: 1.Long-term Strategic Planning;

Areas of Focus cont. When the long-term strategic plan, including specific actions and strategies, is complete, it becomes the basic guideline document for the principal, pastor and board. This plan should be viewed not as an end in itself, but as a prerequisite to and part of good development, and as an important help to the school in carrying out its mission and goals.

Areas of Focus cont. 2. Assume leadership roles by serving on board committees to recommend policies and action plans that will help meet the needs of the school now and in the future;

Areas of Focus cont. 3. Assist the principal and pastor in school marketing, development, recruitment, communications, facilities and financial planning; 4. Give input in the evaluation of the principal as requested; and

Areas of Focus Cont. 5. Be the ‘Good-will Ambassador’. Promote and communicate the ‘great things that are happening at the school’.

Strategic Planning: Setting School Goals > Introduction & Executive Summary > Mission & Vision Statement > School Profile & History > Critical Issues & Strategies

Strategic Planning Cont. > Program Goals & Objectives 1. Catholic Identity 2. Enrollment 3. Marketing / Public & Community Relations

Strategic Planning Cont. 4. Educational Programs – Technology – School Improvement Plan 5. Staffing 6. Finances (5 year projection) 7. Development /Advancement 8. Facilities 9. New Initiatives

Summary “Catholic School Boards are NOT like Public School Boards” 1.Advise, Assist and Suggest Policies; 2. Assist the principal, school board president and pastor with the agenda for school board meetings; 3. Work as a group to assist the principal in developing and / or implementing the school’s long-term strategic plan

Summary cont. 4.Work in committees to enhance all school programs; 5. As requested, give input in the evaluation of the principal and schools programs; 6. ‘Good-will Ambassador’

Summary Cont. “Administrative Domains where School Boards should NOT be involved:” 1. Personnel issues and decisions; 2. Discipline situations or decisions; and, 3. Serving as conduits to the administration and staff for parental complaints.