PURPOSE OF A SCHOOL BOARD
   A school board is a body that is responsible for ensuring the continuity and growth of the school by implementing its mission statement.
   The school board provides a representative body for identifying and articulating the educational needs and aspirations of the school community.  The board’s primary responsibility is to define the policies that govern the operation of the school.  All other duties are subsidiary functions.
 
ADVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES OF SCHOOL BOARDS
   In the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, the local board for an elementary school is advisory to the pastor and the principal; the local high school board is advisory to the high school principal.  (P1310)
   The school board is advisory, that is, it operates in the policy making process by proposing and recommending policy for the pastor’s and principal’s approval.  It also recommends other actions such as budget approval, marketing, and development activities for approval by the pastor/principal prior to implementation.
   The school board member accepts his/her role in the ministry within the parish and acts as such.
   To call a group “advisory” does not diminish its importance.  Rather, it indicates that the body is inserted into the governance structure of the organization in a significant way.  Board members assist the school by providing and consensus on major issues facing it.
   There are, however, boundaries on the board’s responsibilities.
A.  The school board recognizes that the pastor and principal hold the authority for making final decisions.
B.  Because the local school is part of a diocesan school system, the advisory responsibility of the local school board is subject to that of the Diocesan Bishop, the Diocesan School Board, and to Diocesan School Board policies and guidelines.
C.  Recommended policies and other actions must be consistent with the school’s stated mission statement and diocesan policies, the teachings of the Catholic Church, and with Christian formation of students.
A school board member has no authority acting as an individual.  The responsibility is vested in the school board acting as a board to make recommendations.
   Now that you have a general overview of the purpose of a school board in our Catholic school, you may be interested in filling out the application below and volunteering to be a possible member.  If you would like further information, feel free to talk to the principal or an acting school board member.  You can call the school at (260) 438-3492 or email at schooladministration@stcharlesschoolfw.org.  We would be glad to assist you.  Thank you.        Sincerely - Rob Sordelet