School Board DevelopmentDiscernment of new members

Content

1) Briefing about School Boards (including)

Welcome, Introductions and Prayer

Ideal qualities and capabilities sought in new members and reflections from prospective members

Questions and clarification

2) Discernment by Board members

Two Parts

Education Governance

Archbishop

Executive Director Catholic Education

School & BCEO employees

Catholic Education Council

Source Documents

Pastoral model - not a Management model

Characterised by two operational principles

Collaborative Ministry

Shared Wisdom

About Boards

Shared Wisdom

Has a Religious Context

The School Board listens to the

wisdom of the members of their

community and their own board

membership in order to know how

best to lead and serve them.  

Insight & Practice

To each the Lord gives a piece of the wisdom. 

To no one does He give all the wisdom of God. 

We all get different pieces and, as a consequence, 

we must share our wisdom. 

We must hear, respect, and treasure one another’s

wisdom. 

We must work for a climate that is open and

respectful. 

Board Purpose

To build, strengthen and nourish

the school as part of the parish

The School Board is a structure

intended to facilitate members of

the school and faith community to

share responsibility for the well

being of the whole of the school

within the beliefs and values,

teachings and traditions of the

Church. 

Board Role

Stewardship: developing the school

in all its facets 'in trust' for the faith

community

Serving the faith community by

caring for and developing its school

community

Servant leadership: collectively

accepting accountability for the

school's well being.

Board AccountabilityTo the Archbishop through the Executive Director of Catholic Education

Membership of the School Board is discerned by the local faith community and commissioned by the Executive Director

Boards need to develop an understanding of their fit within Archdiocesan and Parish structures, functions and aspirations.

Key Responsibilities

Mission and Vision

Policy development

Strategic Planning

Support of the school's educational leadership

Collaboration and communication, including confidentiality

Board sustainability

Board Mandate excludesManagement of day-to-day operations of the school and its curriculum

Operational decisions about the use of teaching or learning resources at the school

Making decisions about the individual teaching style used, or to be used, at the school

Making a decision that is contrary to law or a written policy of Brisbane Catholic Education;

Control of funds

Contractual dealings

Acquisition, or disposal of property

Litigation.

Ideal qualitiesCommitment to Catholic education in the parish and school 

Commitment to the vision and mission of the parish and school 

An understanding of the role of parish priest, principal and Board members 

Willingness to ask questions and seek clarification 

Ability to think strategically 

Ideal qualities

Willingness to support the contributions of other Board members 

Capacity to listen in an active and meaningful way

Willingness to work co-operatively with others 

Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times 

Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times.

Key Understandings

The role of Catholic education and the Catholic school  

The history and ethos of the school 

The expectations of the particular communities they serve.

Key Responsibilities

• A characteristic of an effective and high performing Board

is that it is engaged in ongoing Board formation activities

and programs

•  Board formation is essentially about board members

participating in programs and activities that will enhance

their skills as a board member and provide further

knowledge about the operations of the board.

Local discernmentWhat are some recent examples of shared wisdom and collaboration?

How has the Board effectively developed policies?

In what ways has the Board formed itself in mission?

What are our big ticket items for the next 12 months?

What are some qualities or capabilities we seek now in new membership?

What gifts do our prospective members offer at this stage?

Questions

What are the things you would like greater clarity about?

What are the next steps in the process?

What might be required of me in the next week or so?

Thank you for your generosity and time.