ST. JOHN'S SCHOOL BOARD FAQ

What are the mission and responsibilities of the School Board?

As the consultative governing body of Saint John the Baptist Catholic School, the School Board's mission, in response to God's call to be responsible stewards of our Catholic Faith, is to: (a) Promote Catholic education and the concept of lay ministry, (b) Advise the Pastor and Principal on matters relating to the school, (c) Develop strategic plans and policy for the school, and (d) Serve as a conduit for communications between the Pastor, Principal, parents and Parish. The School Board's responsibilities are advisory to the Principal and Pastor and include strategic planning, development and formulation of policy, financial oversight, public relations, curriculum review, principal evalution and principal recruitment.Back

What is unique about a catholic school board?

Catholic School Board members are asked to serve not only because they bring a particular expertise(s) to the deliberations of the group, but because they bring their life of faith, their values and a prayer life that permeates all that they do. Each member has been given gifts which they want to use for the building of the body of Christ. Back

What is the composition of the school board?

The school board consists of 12 members including the Pastor, Principal, Assistant Principal, Diocesan School Superintendent, the Diocese School Board Representative, and the St. John's PTO Representative. The six remaining members include the Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and three At-Large Members. These six members normally serve single 3-year terms and serve on the committees of the School Board.Back

What are the committees of the school board?

The school board has 5 committees: (1) Executive, (2)Planning, (3) Development, (4)Public Relations, and (5)Finance. The Executive Committee membership includes the Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and the Principal. The Executive Committee responsibilities include setting the agenda for Board meetings and running the Board meetings. The remaining committees have similar membership compositions that include both a board member (serving as committee chair) and any number of other non-Board members who wish to give their time and talent to serve the school. These committees' responsibilities are listed below:

  • The Strategic Planning Committee is concerned with (1)Long-term Catholicity, financial and physical planning, (2)Accreditation activities and improvement goals related to school programs, and (3)Determining the overall needs of the school community and developing a long-range plan to achieve these needs.


  • The Development Committee (1) Develops school advancement goals, (2) Performs St. John’s Educational Foundation management and fundraising activities and (3)Doe grant writing to promote new programs and technology improvements.


  • The Public Relations Committee is responsibile for (1) Positive promotion of the school within our own parish and to the surrounding communities, (2) On-going student recruitment and retention, and (3) Development and execution of a comprehensive public relations program for community and school promotional events.


  • The Finance Committee is tasked with (1) Fiscal responsibility for the school budget, tuition and fees, (2) Working with the Parish community to communicate fundraising and capital improvement needs, and (3)Financial oversight and stewardship.
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Why should one consider serving on a School Board Committee?

The School Board needs creative contributors who can challenge the school in a positive way. By serving on a School Board committee, your talents are used to promote and benefit the school and parish community. Board committee service can provide a transitional progression to Board membership as well.Back

Why should one consider serving on a School Board?

Serving on the school board is an important ministry to the St. John's school community. Those considering School Board service should ask themselves

  • How can my actions on this Board increase the Catholic mission of this school, Parish and Diocese?
  • How do my actions on this Board reflect the Catholic faith and make that faith more present to the people who are being served?
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Who is eligible to serve on the School Board?

To be eligible to serve on the School Board, one must be a practicing Catholic and and active member of St. John's Parish. Members typically serve a single 3-year term. Those who are ineligible include school employees and their spouses, officers of the Pastoral Council, and officers of the PTO. Two members of the same household may not serve simultaneously. Back

How are School Board members appointed?

  • Those considering applying for a school board position must attend the March meeting, typically the first Monday in March. At this meeting, the School Board Chair gives an informational presentation about the School Board. The Chair also describes the application process which consists of a letter that outlines a candidate's strengths weaknesses, and motivation for serving on the School Board.
  • Within one week of the March meeting, potential candidates must confirm their intent by submitting their letters to the School Board Selection Committee.
  • The Selection Committee forwards the letters to the Pastor for his review. The Pastor consults the Principal and Selection Committee regarding the candidates.
  • Prior to the April meeting, the Selection Committee holds a a discernment session to determine the best candidates
  • At the April meeting, the slate of candidates is presented to the School Board for consideration and approval.
  • Newly appointed members will attend the May meeting as a transition and assume their positions at the June Meeting.
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