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If U.S. Catholic elementary and secondary schools are going to survive, their boards will play a key role. That's the assessment of Regina Haney of the National Catholic Educational Association. "School boards," she said, "are vital to the future."
But, she warned, success won't happen unless board members have the right personal and professional skills to address their school's needs, a strong commitment to the school's mission, and the "wisdom to move the school forward."
Additionally, they must know "how to keep our schools really Catholic," said Stephanie Welling, associate superintendent for school personnel in the St. Louis archdiocese and an executive committee member of the National Catholic Educational Association's Department of Boards and Councils.
Catholic identity must be "integrated into everything schools do," said Haney, director of the department. "When someone walks into our schools, they should know immediately that it is a Catholic school," not only by the signs and symbols in the corridors, but also by the example of the entire school community.
In discussing who should be on a school board, Haney recommends that only one-third be parents of current students. Their vested interest is valuable, she said, but they are often too close to the issues.
Boards need to get a broader perspective that comes from tapping into the expertise of alumni and business professionals. In fact, she said, one of the primary functions...