School Board

The St. Ferdinand Parish School Board, whose authority is derived from the policies of the Archbishop of the Archdiocese, is called into being by the local parish and is given its mission to provide an environment in which children receive a quality education in a strong academic curriculum with an emphasis on developing their identities as individuals and as Catholics.

The School Board’s responsibilities include developing policies that are compatible with the school’s philosophy and that will enable the school to reach its goals, collaborating with the pastor in the selection of the principal, approving the school budget and determining the sources of funding it, and representing its constituency.

School Board Meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:30 PM in Heeney Hall and are open to all parents and parishioners. The School Board meeting agenda includes a two (2) minute time allotment at the end of each meeting for the audience to comment on any business conducted at that particular meeting. Comments on issues other than those discussed at that particular meeting would not be allowed at this time. Those who wish to address the board should make a written agenda request to the board’s president (via the school office) at least one week prior to the meeting. If appropriate, the board will take the matter under consideration; otherwise, the issue will be directed to the person(s) responsible for such concerns. The person(s) making the request will be notified regarding the status of their request.

For concerns/questions regarding school budget (School Board Policy, B-3, B-4, B-5, B-6), tuition (School Board Policy, B-2), school policies, contact a school board member. Every school board member is available to listen to any concern that a parent may have. If the concern is an issue or area that is not under the board’s directives, the person making the inquiry will be directed to the proper source for consideration. The School Board is not involved in the conflict management process; contact the principal for more information.

The St. Ferdinand Parish School Board publishes its policies annually for the parent body (School Board Policy, A-8). Those policies are referenced throughout the parent's handbooks and are published in their entirety in the back of the handbooks.

Elections for three-year terms to the school board are normally conducted in the spring. As we are always looking for new members, school parents are invited and encouraged to join the school board. School parents may be asked to assist committees. School parents are also encouraged to consider being nominated for the school board. It is a marvelous ministry and gift to our school and parish.

Family-School Association

The St. Ferdinand Family-School Association is composed of parents of St. Ferdinand Parish School students whose activities and programs benefit all the students of the school. It aims to create a link between home, school, and parish by sponsoring many programs and events. Among these activities are those special events for children throughout the school year, those that perform valuable services for teachers, families, and the school, those that promote learning and healthy living, and those which raise needed funds and materials for the school.

The Family-School Association meets the first Wednesday of every month at 7:15 PM in Heeney Hall. Notices of meetings and events are sent home to all families and are placed in the calendar.

This organization helps to demonstrate that it is all of us sharing together that contributes to the greatness of the education for our children. To underwrite the operating costs, an annual contribution of $5.00 per family is requested. Because so much is given to our students, all parents are encouraged to join.

Athletics

Athletics provide another opportunity for students to further develop their talents and potential. Athletics helps students learn and experience coordination, physical activity, teamwork, individual skills, value of the common good, self-improvement, gracious winning and respectful losing, competing with self and with others, healthy exercises and diet, rules and strategies of a sport, etc. The athletes, parents, and coaches are to always strive to reflect the school’s philosophy and mission. The Athletic Director is available to respond to concerns or questions involving the athletic programs.