CSAC

ARTICLE II — PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY

The Catholic School Advisory Commission exists to support the mission of Mater Dei Catholic School and Catholic education within the Diocese of Sacramento.

The CSAC is an advisory and consultative body. It does not function as a governing board and does not exercise authority over the administration or daily operations of the school.

The school administration remains responsible for the school's curriculum, programs, personnel, and day-to-day operations in accordance with diocesan policies and the authority of the Pastor and Catholic School Department.

The CSAC shall work collaboratively with the Pastor and school administration to provide advice, recommendations, assistance, and community support in areas that advance the long-term mission and effectiveness of Mater Dei Catholic School.

ARTICLE III — MISSION

The CSAC shall support Mater Dei Catholic School in fulfilling its mission as a Catholic educational community.

The Commission shall promote decisions and initiatives that:

1. Strengthen the Catholic identity and mission of the school.
2. Support the long-term stability and growth of the school.
3. Encourage meaningful parent, parish, alumni, and community engagement.
4. Promote responsible stewardship of school resources.
5. Support strategic planning and institutional advancement.
6. Strengthen relationships among the school, parish, families, and broader community.

ARTICLE IV — RESPONSIBILITIES

The CSAC shall provide consultation, recommendations, and assistance to the Pastor and administration in areas including:

• Catholic identity and mission effectiveness;
• Long-range and strategic planning;
• Advancement and development;
• Enrollment, recruitment, and retention strategies;
• Marketing and community relations;
• Parent and family engagement;
• Facilities and campus planning;
• School safety planning and support;
• Alumni and parish relations; and
• Other matters referred to the Commission by the Pastor or administration.

The CSAC shall not become involved in individual personnel matters, student discipline matters, individual family concerns, confidential administrative matters, or the day-to-day management of the school.

ARTICLE V — MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Composition

The CSAC shall consist of members who demonstrate a commitment to the mission of Catholic education and the success of Mater Dei Catholic School.

Membership should, whenever possible, represent the diverse constituencies served by the school, including parents, parishioners, alumni, community members, and individuals possessing professional expertise beneficial to the school.

Section 2. Ex-Officio Members

The Pastor and Principal shall serve as ex-officio members of the Commission.

Other school or parish administrators may participate in meetings as determined appropriate by the Pastor and administration.

Section 3. Appointment

Members shall be appointed in consultation with and subject to the approval of the Pastor and administration.

Prospective members should demonstrate:

• Support for the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church;
• Commitment to Catholic education;
• Willingness to serve the entire school community;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to collaborate respectfully with others; and
• Willingness to actively participate in Commission and committee responsibilities.

Section 4. Removal or Resignation

A member may resign by submitting written notice to the Chairperson, Principal, or administration.

A member may be removed from the Commission for failure to fulfill membership responsibilities, excessive absences, violation of confidentiality, conduct inconsistent with the mission of the school, or other appropriate cause as determined by the Pastor and administration.

ARTICLE VI — OFFICERS

The officers of the Commission shall ordinarily include:

1. Chairperson
2. Vice Chairperson
3. Secretary

Additional officers may be established as necessary such as: Mission & Catholic Identity, Parent Engagement Coordinator, Facilities, and other.

Chairperson

The Chairperson shall:

• Preside over Commission meetings;
• Collaborate with the Pastor and administration in establishing meeting agendas;
• Facilitate effective discussion and participation;
• Coordinate the work of standing committees;
• Ensure that the Commission remains focused on its advisory role and strategic responsibilities; and
• Perform other duties appropriate to the office.

Vice Chairperson

The Vice Chairperson shall:

• Assist the Chairperson;
• Perform the duties of the Chairperson when the Chairperson is unavailable; and
• Support committee coordination and Commission initiatives.

Secretary

The Secretary shall:

• Maintain accurate minutes of Commission meetings;
• Record attendance;
• Maintain official Commission records;
• Distribute approved minutes and other Commission materials; and
• Perform other duties associated with Commission records.

ARTICLE VII — MEETINGS

Section 1. Regular Meetings

The CSAC shall meet regularly during the school year according to a schedule established by the Commission in consultation with the Pastor and administration.

Section 2. Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the Pastor, administration, or Chairperson when necessary.

Section 3. Agenda

The meeting agenda shall ordinarily be developed collaboratively by the Chairperson and administration, with consultation from the Pastor as appropriate.

Commission members may recommend items for future agendas.

Section 4. Attendance

Members are expected to attend and actively participate in meetings.

Members who are unable to attend should notify the Chairperson and/or Principal in advance.

Repeated unexcused absences may result in review of the member's continued service.

ARTICLE VIII — DECISION-MAKING AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The CSAC shall seek to operate through prayerful dialogue, collaboration, discernment, and consensus whenever possible.

When a formal recommendation or vote is appropriate, each appointed voting member shall have one vote.

A majority of voting members shall constitute a quorum.

A simple majority of members present shall ordinarily be sufficient to approve a recommendation unless otherwise specified in these bylaws.

Because the CSAC is advisory, recommendations of the Commission remain subject to the authority and approval of the Pastor and/or administration, as applicable.

ARTICLE IX — STANDING COMMITTEES

The CSAC may establish standing committees to support the ongoing work and strategic priorities of Mater Dei Catholic School.

Standing committees should include, as appropriate:

1. Mission Effectiveness Committee

   Supports and evaluates efforts to strengthen the Catholic identity, mission, faith formation, and spiritual life of the school.

2. Development and Long-Range Strategic Planning Committee

   Supports strategic planning, institutional advancement, fundraising, enrollment growth, financial sustainability, and long-term development.

3. Facilities and Safety Committee

   Supports planning related to campus facilities, maintenance priorities, capital improvements, safety, security, emergency preparedness, and long-term facility needs.

4. Community Relations and Marketing Committee

   Supports marketing, communications, enrollment promotion, community partnerships, alumni relations, parish relationships, and efforts to strengthen the school's visibility within the broader community.

5. Parent Engagement Committee

   Supports meaningful parent participation, family engagement, volunteerism, community-building activities, and communication between families and the school.

ARTICLE X — AD HOC COMMITTEES

The Commission may establish temporary or ad hoc committees to address specific projects, initiatives, or strategic needs.

Individuals who are not members of the CSAC may be invited to participate on committees when their expertise or involvement would benefit the school.

ARTICLE XI — CONFIDENTIALITY

CSAC members shall respect the confidential nature of information received through their service.

Confidential information discussed during Commission or committee meetings shall not be shared outside the Commission unless authorized by the Pastor or administration.

Members shall exercise particular care regarding matters involving students, families, employees, finances, legal matters, safety, or other sensitive information.

ARTICLE XV — ANNUAL GOALS AND EVALUATION

At the beginning of each school year, the Commission should establish annual priorities and goals in consultation with the Pastor and administration.

The Commission should periodically review progress toward these goals and evaluate the effectiveness of its work.

At the conclusion of the school year, the CSAC may provide a summary of accomplishments, recommendations, and priorities for the following year.

ARTICLE XVI — AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be reviewed periodically to ensure continued alignment with the mission of Mater Dei Catholic School and the policies and expectations of the Diocese of Sacramento.