NABCCCE

2002 Outstanding Board Award

St. Rita of Cascia Parish School Board
Harahan, Louisiana

The characteristics that make this elementary school advisory board effective are its Catholic identity and Christian environment; its motivated and eclectic membership; its open communication and camaraderie; its honest evaluation of its effectiveness, goals, and objectives; and the cooperation, respect, and support among the pastor, principal, staff, parents, and board.

The board requires its members to attend the annual training workshop provided by the Archdiocese of New Orleans. During the year members receive information from the archdiocese and from NABCCCE. The board operates by shared decision making. The ideas for most projects are the result of group discussions. When an idea is selected, it is assigned to a committee which plans and implements the projects. Members serve on the committees they find interesting.

Board activities have included many projects, including a suggestion box, a directory of school families, publicity about the school, the establishment of an alumni association, expressions of gratitude to teachers, a career day, a monthly outstanding student award, submitting grant proposals, and many other activities. It approved the opening of a pre-kindergarten program for 3-year-olds. The board has also been of great assistance to the school in helping formulate a very healthy budget, in enabling the constructing of a major addition, and in supporting the school's exemplary academic, spiritual, and extracurricular programs.