Resurrection Board of Education
Lakeland, Florida

This 6-year-old advisory board of total education exists to enhance the education of all members of the parish community. Six members are elected by the parish community (3 school parents and 3 from religious education programs) and three members are appointed by the board, with approval from the pastor. It governs a pre-K to grade 8 school as well as religious education programs for K-12, middle school and high school youth groups, sacramental programs, RCIA, and adult enrichment. The following productive committees are key to its success: finance, policies, strategic planning, safety/security, building/facilities, nominating/elections, and liaison to the Catholic high school. Members are dedicated, spiritual, positive, energetic, and hard working; actively work on a committee of their choice; and report committee work to the board, parent groups, pastoral council, and parish finance committee. Presentations at each monthly meetings familiarize board members with program accomplishments and key issues.

During rapid growth in the last year, the board provided adequate facilities and financial stability for the school and education programs. This included overseeing the completion of a middle-school building, additional office space for religious education leaders, raising teacher salaries on par with public school teachers, keeping tuition in line with the diocesan average, and extensive fundraising efforts. The board fosters a spirit of unity, cooperation, and a high level of student participation in the various educational programs in the parish. Strategic planning has provided substantial financial assistance to minority students and school families, increased enrollment, and attracted many new families to the parish.