The Christ the King Catholic School (the "School" or "CKS") is an expression of the educational mission of the Christ the King parish. The pastor is responsible to the Archbishop for the administration of the total parish, including the parish school. The principal serves as the chief administrator of the parish school and is responsible to the pastor. The Christ the King school commission is committed to the unique mission of the school and serves as an advisory body in assistance to the principal for the good of the school community.
Article I. Name of the Organization
The name of this body shall be the School Commission of Christ the King Parish (the "School Commission").
Article II. Purposes and Functions
The commission is established by the pastor, in accordance with archdiocesan policy, to assist the pastor and principal in policy development and long-range planning for the school. Any policy matters discussed at School Commission meetings shall be done with the sole purpose of advising the pastor and the school principal. The decisions made by the pastor and the school principal shall ultimately be their responsibility. At the discretion of the pastor and principal, the School Commission will be consulted on decisions within its areas of responsibility.
The School Commission responsibilities are in the following areas:
A. Planning
• Establishing a mission statement for the school.
• Establishing School Commission goals for the school.
• Establishing future plans for the school.
B. Policy Review and Development
• Reviewing and/or recommending policies that provide direction for the school to the pastor and principal.
C. Finance
• Participating in the development of financial plans to finance school programs, including tuition, development and fundraising.
• Recommending allocation of resources according to the objectives and the budget.
• Participating in the review of the school budget.
D. Public Relations
• Listening to the needs and concerns of the school community.
• Recruiting students.
• Promoting the school to the parish and parents.
E. Evaluation
• Determining whether School Commission goals and plans are being met.
• Evaluating the School Commission’s own effectiveness.
Article III. Membership
The membership of the School Commission shall consist of not less than six (6) and not more than nine (9) members in addition to the pastor and principal. School Commission members ordinarily serve for three years, renewable once and staggered so that council membership can rotate without loss of continuity. If appointed to fill less than half of an unexpired term, the School Commission member is eligible to serve two additional terms. School Commission members fulfilling their maximum commitment per these guidelines may regain eligibility for consideration after a two-year leave.
Nominations and Selection
The School Commission and the principal would seek and prepare a slate of prospective School Commission members from all of the school and parish by nomination either by self or others. The process should promote a sense of ownership throughout the school and parish community. The selection of new members should begin in February. Selections should be made by March or April and new members should attend school commission meetings for orientation purposes prior to beginning their term on July 1st.
The School Commission nominees would meet the following criteria:
• Interest in and commitment to Catholic education and to the School’s philosophy and mission;
• Availability to attend School Commission meetings and periodic in-service programs and to participate in committee work;
• Ability to maintain high level of integrity and confidentiality;
• Ability to deal with situations as they relate to the good of the entire school community,
• Ability to be a credible witness of the Catholic faith to the School community and the other stakeholders served by the School. (A non-catholic parent of child/ren enrolled in the school may be a member of the School Commission.)
Ineligibility
Those who are paid employees of the school or parish are not eligible for membership.
Article IV. Officers
The School Commission should select members to serve in the positions of Chairperson (Chair), Vice-chairperson and Secretary (the "Officers"). The Officers are selected by the School Commission and serve one-year renewable terms. The duties are those ordinarily performed by such Officers.
The above Officers, pastor and principal form the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may be called to meet and make decisions if necessary in the absence of a full School Commission meeting.
Article V. Meetings
The Chair and principal should meet to plan the agenda for the School Commission meetings and the agenda and written reports should be available to members prior to School Commission meetings.
The School Commission meets every month beginning in August. Standing committees meet at other times as needed. If commission meetings are open to the public, there should be a provision in the agenda of the commission in regard to executive sessions covering confidential matters.
A member who is absent, without excuse, from two regular meetings of the School Commission during one academic year (August through and including June) shall cease to be a member.