The purpose of this board is to promote and advance the mission of the school for the education and instruction of students in assisting them to “reach the fullness of the Christian life.” Following criteria prescribed by the Office of Catholic Education of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, board membership represents the constituency it serves – including the school, alumni, parishes, and those supportive of Catholic education. The Board strives to have members with various areas of expertise including business, education, finance, and law. Members serve a three-year term and may serve two consecutive terms.
The Board consists of these committees:
Officers of the board, pastor, principal. They cover emergency situations when it is impossible or inappropriate to assemble the full board. Meets only when called by consensus of the officers of the Board. Review board decisions in light of the school’s Catholic identity and mission.
The Development Committee plans, promotes, and helps implement the school’s major fundraising activity with a focus on the annual fund. Participates (including all board members and volunteers) in all fundraising and friend-raising activities. Works in conjunction with the School’s Advancement Director (principal if appropriate) to coordinate the school’s fundraising activities. Advises the Board on Annual Fund financial goals and on any capital or major gift efforts. Reviews the case statement for all fundraising campaigns.
The Marketing/Enrollment Committee examines current and future enrollment trends and how best to market the school. Works in conjunction with the school’s Advancement Director (principal if appropriate) to coordinate the school’s enrollment management activities. Review enrollment policies and strategies, strategies for recruiting students, marketing literature, admissions calendar, etc. Encourages and oversees school communications plans. May oversee financial aid policies and does not play any role in admitting students or awarding financial aid.
The Facilities Committee ensures safe and secure buildings and property. To develop and monitor, with the school staff, a comprehensive master plan for the school’s buildings and grounds for board approval that includes, but is not limited to: physical plant analysis and long term needs prioritization. Monitor and implement the plan. Reports periodically to the Board on major plant and campus issues. Keeps the Board Finance Committee and the host parish Finance Council informed of the building and grounds needs. The committee does not get involved in the day-to-day operations such as roof leaks, field maintenance, carpet selection, etc, but should be attentive to deferred maintenance needs.
The Finance Committee set tuition and develop the school budget. They develop the annual and five-year operating budgets in consultation with the principal. The principal’s signature indicates approval of the budget. Annually, submits the proposed budget to the Board. With board approval, the budget is submitted to the pastor for approval and submission to the Archdiocese as part of the parish budget. Ensures the maintenance of a separate school budget for management and reporting purposes. Monitors revenue and expense through monthly statements prepared by the school, and reports results to the board. Reviews any and all capital expenditure recommendations prepared by the Facilities Committee.
The Membership Committee coordinates the identification, cultivation, recruitment and orientation of new members. Also ongoing review and recommendations to enhance the quality of the board. Help create board roles & responsibilities, pay attention to board composition, encourage board development, Access board effectiveness and identifies board need for continuing education and training, and designs vehicles to meet these needs. Maintains board demography, facilitates board self-assessment.