2007 Outstanding Board Award

 

Beaumont, Texas

 

This 12-member board has a mix of members from a cross section of the two largest parishes with students enrolled in the school. Members also may include one non-Catholic and members from other parishes. St. Anne Parish sends a representative from its parish council. And the board seeks at least one member with a financial background to assist the principal with financial planning for the school. Currently, three board members are alumni of the school.

In addition to the active board members, three alternates may attend meetings and serve on various committees. These alternates are then available if a board member leaves; should that occur, an alternate can then become an active member. This provision of alternates is a real asset.

 

A clear and concise charge has been given to all committees of the board, and the president of the school board is in touch with all committee chairs on a regular basis. For the development and finance committees, recruitment of non-board members is encouraged when they have experience related to needed tasks.

 

Among the many issues at hand is the cost of school tuition. The finance committee has moved the school to full-cost tuition and developed a tuition scale with financial assistance for all Catholic families. The board has taken leadership in the annual appeal that has exceeded its goal each of the last three years. The board also started an endowed foundation account, with interest assisting with teacher salary raises. The long-range strategic plan includes marketing, so that the schools in the diocese are working toward financial self-sufficiency.

 

Enrollment has climbed to 580 students, despite the effects of two hurricanes. From the pastor’s view, "There’s enough money and a viable student body at St. Anne’s."