This 17-member advisory board, along with three ex-officio members, has been working for more than 30 years on behalf of 5,600 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The diocesan Catholic school board has a long and significant history in the Diocese of Salt Lake City. It has spearheaded studies that have guided expansion of the school system and sponsored workshops for training local school board members. As an advisory board, it provides the Catholic Schools Office with valuable assistance regarding school finances, student enrollment, parent involvement, and teacher salary and benefit packages.

 

In the past five years, the board has been most effective because of the work done in committees. This board proves that lay people can play a significant role in the governance of schools and share responsibility for leadership with the clergy on behalf of Catholic education.

 

The board has taken seriously the diocesan strategic plan for Catholic schools: Horizons of Opportunity, Times of Challenge, which moves the schools to implement cost-based tuition accompanied by need-based tuition. Most of the responsibility for this action fell upon the finance committee. Full implementation of this policy took place during the 2005-2006 school year.

 

The finance committee, in conjunction with others, was able to achieve this goal because committee activity of this board has solidified the schools as a system and created greater unity in a diocese where Catholics and Catholic schools are a minority. Committee work of both board and non-board members was a factor in the ability to implement the goals assigned to the board through this plan.

 

In addition to this major accomplishment, and also working through board committees, the board also has been able to implement a marketing plan involving all schools collaboratively and a mission effectiveness process still in its pilot phase.

 

The board maintains these initiatives with ongoing evaluation and review. Additionally, the board continues to work toward just salaries and benefits, review and revise policy as needed, and approve the school calendar. Plans for later this year include development of a strategic plan for 2008-2013.