Parish Education Commissions and Responsibilities Diocese of Madison Office of Catholic Schools Adapted for St. Peter Catholic School Education Commission meeting on June 6, 2012

Diocesan Policy – DBA 1200 Educational Authority in the Parish  The pastor of each parish, canonically appointed to be the head of the Catholic community, has pastoral authority and concern in all facets of parish life.  In educational matters, he works with the Parish Education Commission as a nonvoting member, to develop policies.  He has, however, the final authority to accept or reject these policies.  The School Principal and/or Parish Director(s) of Religious Education and/or Parish Coordinator(s) of Religious Education, implement these policies and those of the Diocesan Board of Education.

Parish Education Commissions  DBA 1210 Every Parish Council shall establish a Parish Education Commission whose members will recommend policy for all forms of Catholic education in the parish. Such policy shall be in accord with the general policies of the Diocesan Board of Education and the diocesan regulations for schools and diocesan regulations for religious education as these apply to the parish programs.

Public Board or Parish Commission? Public School Board:  Consists of elected members  Operates under rules of state statute  Conducts meetings using Robert’s Rules of Order  Is regulated by state statute  Reaches decisions through voting  Sets policy for a school district  Policy is set through a majority vote

Public Board or Parish Commission? Parish Education Commission:  Consists of elected and/or appointed members  Operates under a constitution and by-laws  May conduct meetings using Robert’s Rules of Order  Is regulated by diocesan policy  Reaches decisions through consensus  Recommends educational policy for the parish  Policy is set when the pastor approves the commission’s recommendation.

Board vs. Commission Board  Members must be elected  Regulated by state statute  Decisions by voting  Sets policy  Does not implement policy  Reports to the public Commission  Members may be elected and/or appointed  Regulated by diocesan policy  Decisions by consensus  Recommends policy  Does not implement policy  Reports to Parish Council

Parish Education Commission Overview A PEC is NOT:  a public board  a policy setting body  a governing body A PEC IS:  a consultative body  an advisory body  a leadership body

Parish Education Commission Responsibilities step-by-step: 1. Recommend Goals and Objectives for the Education Programs develop goals and objectives monitor progress toward goals engage in long-range planning identify needs See handouts.

Parish Education Commission Responsibilities step-by-step: 2. Develop and Recommend Policy for the Education Programs identify need for policy review existing policy policy development – 2 readings only the pastor has the authority to approve and/or set policy monitor implementation of policy

Parish Education Commission Responsibilities step-by-step 3. Recommend program budgets salary scale and benefits guidelines; forward to finance council recommend tuition and fees to meet budget requirements; forward to finance council recommend the budget; forward to finance council monitor financial reports

Parish Education Commission Responsibilities step-by-step 4. Sponsor/Participate in Activities to Pursue Goals and Objectives public relations marketing recruiting fund-raising development activities sponsor programs

Parish Education Commission Responsibilities step-by-step 5. Review Own Performance annual review of: * effectiveness of policies * performance * achievement of goals and objectives periodic review of: * effectiveness of sub- committees * effectiveness of reports * effectiveness of in-service

Parish Education Commission Responsibilities step-by-step 6. Receive Information About the Education Programs Principal’s updates and reports Committee reports Dialog with Pastor Parents’/parishioners’ feedback Crisis information

Parish Education Commission Responsibilities step-by-step 7. Offer Advice When Asked by Administration advice based on knowledge of parish and community advice based on personal skills and talents

Parish Education Commission Responsibilities step-by-step 8. Provide for PEC Internal Operations recruit new members orient new members provide in-service training for all members plan agendas keep minutes of the meetings periodically review constitution/bylaws

Membership  Established by Pastor and recorded in the Constitution/By-laws  Recommended size of no more than 12  Must include:  Pastor, Principal, DRE

Membership  May include:  Member of Parish Council  Member of Finance Council  Member of Home and School Association  Members of other school groups  At large members  Parents  Parishioners