The 17 elected members and 9 ex-officio members of this school board work to the benefit of the students in grades 9-12. They do this well, in large part due to their strong and effective membership committee, which continues to solicit quality members to the board. They also share a vital appreciation for the distinction between the functions of management and the functions of the board; the board does not micro-manage.

 

In addition, the board has well-established and healthy functioning committees in many areas. At general meetings, members address issues rather than a parade of committee reports. This allows for creative and long-range strategic thinking and planning, which suits this board that is more concerned about the school’s future than fixating on how to run it today.

 

The board reformatted its quarterly meetings to gain more productivity and engagement. In the past, agendas were built around individual and committee reports, which did not allow for in-depth discussion to provide future direction. A change in format was proposed and implemented. Now the executive committee meets with the school president each summer to determine issues for the board to address during the upcoming school year. Prior to each meeting, committee reports are submitted in writing and sent out in a packet, thus leaving time during the meetings for topics of importance to be discussed. Topics covered recently include: Catholic/Franciscan identity of the school, employee compensation and benefits, and capital campaign preparation.

 

This model works due to the strength of the committee structure and board members who are comfortable thinking strategically. Diverse experience is represented on the board as well, which it believes is critical to fostering the creative energy that is present.