1. Beginning a Catholic School Board
Here’s what it takes:

2. Some questions: Why Boards? What makes them Catholic?
How do they function?
What do they do?
What don’t they do?
What relationship do they have to other groups and persons?
How do we start?

3. Why Boards? Vatican II: concept of lay ministry
Vatican II: concepts of collegiality and subsidiarity
State of Catholic Schools and authenticity and accountability.

4. How are they Catholic? Purpose: Evangelization Gospel values
Mission of Jesus
Charity and justice in all things

5. How do they function? Leadership Membership Committees:
Committed
Concerned
Refreshed regularly
Willing to work on committees
Present
Respectful
Committees:
Ad hoc: as needed
Standing:
Finance
Plant & grounds
Student life
Membership
Development

6. What do Boards do? Formulate and recommend policy;
Formulate, recommend, and monitor budget
Assist the pastor and principal
Do strategic planning
Advance the mission of the school;
Maintain quality Catholic education
Ensure good PR
Give good advice

7. What don’t Boards do? Micromanage; that is, run day-to-day operations;
Manage grievances;
Discipline
Design curriculum
Require specific materials;
Control the administrator;
Evaluate teachers;
Hire, fire;
Override the pastor.

8. What about relationships?
Pastor: takes the place of the bishop;
Administrator: hired by the pastor;
Teachers: under the supervision of the administrator;
Parents: partners with the board, but have other functions;
Parish: owns the school.

9. Now, what? Gather interested persons Inform Ask for a commitment
Draw up a mission
Steal a constitution and by-laws
Set up committees
Ask for critical issues
Do it

10. Some Caveats: Clearly delineate difference from public school board;
Clearly define terms of commitment;
Clearly define roles
Keep lines of communication open

11. What other questions do you have??
What else??
What other questions do you have??