Governance and Leadership

Central to the mission of the Church is the work of Catholic education. The success of this mission depends on the key components of effective governance, which provides direction or authority, and leadership, which ensures effective operations. Catholic school governance and leadership can be seen as a ministry that promotes and protects the responsibilities and rights of the school community. Governance and leadership based on the principles and practices of excellence are essential to ensuring faith formation and Catholic identity, academic excellence, and operational vitality of the school. Although governance models vary based on the sponsorship of the school, those who serve on the governing body or leadership team in Catholic schools provide for an environment for the teaching of doctrine and Sacred Scripture, the building and experiencing of community, the serving of others, and the opportunity for worship.

Standard 5

An excellent Catholic school has a governing body (person or persons) which recognizes and respects the role(s) of the appropriate and legitimate authorities, and exercises responsible decision-making (authoritative, consultative, advisory) in collaboration with the leadership team for development and oversight of the school’s fidelity to mission, academic excellence, and operational vitality.

Benchmarks

5.1 The governing body represents the diversity of stakeholders and the larger community.

5.2 The governing body functions according to its approved constitution and by-laws.

5.3 The governing body with the leader/leadership team systematizes the policies of the school’s operations to ensure fidelity to mission; support for justice, equality, and equity; and continuity and sustainability through leadership successions.

5.4 The governing body, in collaboration with or through the actions of the leader/leadership team, maintains a relationship with the Local Ordinary marked by mutual trust, close cooperation, continuing dialogue, and respect for the Local Ordinary’s legitimate authority.

5.5 The governing body, in collaboration with or through the actions of the leader/leadership team, maintains a constructive and beneficial relationship with the (arch)diocesan Education Office consistent with (arch)diocesan policy pertaining to the recognition of Catholic schools by the Local Ordinary.

5.6 The governing body, working within their defined roles and responsibilities and in collaboration with the leader/leadership team, maintains a relationship with the designated ecclesial authority according to their school’s governance model, marked by mutual trust, close cooperation, and continuing dialogue.

5.7 The governing body engages in effective board governance practices, including ongoing formation and self-evaluation to ensure the faithful execution of their responsibilities and continuous improvement.

5.8 The governing body holds the leadership team accountable for ongoing formation, professional development, and self-evaluation to ensure the faithful execution of their responsibilities and continuous improvement.

Standard 6

An excellent Catholic school has a qualified leader/leadership team empowered by the governing body to recognize, prioritize, and successfully embody the school’s mission and vision.

Benchmarks

6.1 The leader/leadership team meets national, state and/or (arch)diocesan requirements for school leadership preparation and licensing to serve as the faith and instructional leader(s) of the school.

6.2 The leader/leadership team articulates a clear mission and vision for the school, consistent with its Catholic identity, and engages the school community to ensure a school culture that embodies the mission and vision.

6.3 The leader/leadership team takes responsibility for the development and oversight of personnel, including recruitment, professional growth, faith formation, and formal assessment of faculty and staff in compliance with (arch)diocesan policies and/or religious sponsor policies.

6.4 The leader/leadership team establishes and supports networks of collaboration at all levels within the school community to advance excellence.

6.5 The leader/leadership team directs the development and continuous improvement of Catholic identity and faith formation and uses school-wide evidence to plan for continued and sustained growth in these areas.

6.6 The leader/leadership team directs the development and continuous improvement of curriculum and instruction, and utilizes school-wide data to plan for continued and sustained academic excellence and growth.

6.7 The leader/leadership team works in collaboration with the governing body to provide an infrastructure of programs and services that ensures the operational vitality of the school and upholds the dignity of the whole child.

6.8 The leader/leadership team assumes responsibility for communicating new initiatives and/or changes to school programs to all constituents.

6.9 The leader/leadership team assumes responsibility for building leadership capacity and creating shared leadership within the faculty to ensure the long-term sustainability of the school’s mission and vision.