St. Vincent de Paul School Board
Nashville, Tennessee
This 25-year-old consultative board of total education oversees a primarily African American pre-K to grade 8 school as well as parish education programs. Seven members are appointed by the pastor in collaboration with the parish council, and there is an effort to draw African American men. With a new administration in 1998, the board was reshaped and revitalized based on the consultative model provided by the NCEA. The creation of a capital campaign and new school building turned around declining enrollment and brought life back to the school. Surveys provided important input into the creation of a new constitution, policy book, and strategic planning process.
The
board is very knowledgeable about the school and parish
programs and is effective in fostering communication
and
coordination between the school, parish education, and
home and school association. It has an effective program
of orientating and training board members that begins
one year before taking office. The board’s
strategic plan includes the goals and objectives
of the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation. One
part of the strategic plan is reviewed each month and
the plan is revised annually. Through its hard
work the board
created an endowment program and has now provided financial
stability as well as tuition assistance.