East Catholic High School Board
East Catholic High School
115 New State Road
Manchester, CT 06040
This 20-year-old advisory board is unified in its commitment; operates with a well-developed committee structure; developed a support network with other school and parish boards in the area to share ideas and assistance; and uses a comprehensive communication system developed to ensure collaboration and cooperation between committees, school administration and faculty, parents, and all board members. The board embraces diversity in terms of community representation, including alumni, parents, business people, and parish priests dedicated to the continual improvement of all aspects of students’ educational experience. Sixteen members are appointed by the archbishop after nomination by a board subcommittee. Each member actively works on at least one standing committee.
Among recent accomplishments, it guided the completion of a $2.5 million capital campaign project that included a renovation/building program and a growing endowment scholarship fund; developed a comprehensive long-range (5-year) plan; reviewed existing curriculum and adopted a revised curriculum to meet the needs of a 21st century college preparatory program; reached out to local elementary school boards and prepared a workshop for area boards and parent-teacher organization presidents; and oversaw continued growth in enrollment, tuition assistance, and financial reserves to ensure the heath and stability of the school.
Resurrection Board of Education
Resurrection Catholic School
3720 Old Highway 37
Lakeland, FL 33813
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 meeting 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.
St. Vincent de Paul School Board
St. Vincent de Paul School
1704 Heiman Street
Nashville, TN 37208
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.
Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph School Board
Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph
P.O. Box 419037
Kansas City, MO 64141-6037
This 30-year-old advisory board has 17 of its 20 members appointed by the bishop, who seeks diversity in gender and race, and particular skills needed. One of its strengths is to reconsider its historic role and to continually redefine the issues and how they need to be addressed. A recent two-year evaluation process has brought some significant changes in functioning and relationships. Changes include engaging more directly with local boards, administrators, teachers, and pastors. Effective committees that carry out board assignments and goals contribute significantly to the board’s effectiveness. Some type of training and meeting evaluation take place at each meeting, and more thoroughly once a year.
Meetings are very productive because they are structured around a careful agenda and balance reports, discussion, evaluation, action, prayer, training, and evaluation. A new School Resource Committee initiated regular gatherings of school representatives to share best practices and build systematic dialogue on topics of mutual interest. The board recommended revision of the diocese’s program to identify “red flag” schools earlier, and the board began to work with them to strengthen them.
St. Laurence Catholic School Board
St. Laurence Catholic School
2630 Austin Parkway
Sugar Land, TX 77479
Ten of the 15 members of this 10-year-old advisory board are “discerned.” Understanding its role narrows its focus and leads to high productivity. Meetings are effective because most of the work is done at the committee level, and the board is very supportive of the administration and committed to the mission statement. Regular, effective communication with constituencies is a key to this board’s success. The strategic plan’s goals and priorities are established annually and updated periodically. The current update process includes surveys and focused discussion groups. Town hall meetings conducted semi-annually by the board are open to all school families. The Finance Committee formulates a 5-year forecast. The Development Committee is developing marketing and development plans and recommended the hiring of a development officer.
National Catholic Educational Association
