Frequently Asked Questions Archdiocesan Collaborative Schools (ACS) Question: What is the rationale for the development of the Archdiocesan Collaborative School (ACS) model? Answer: As the Blue Ribbon Committee on Catholic Schools studied the Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic schools and its governance models, they concluded that the group of schools functioned more as a system of individual schools versus a unified school system. Depending on the governance model in operation, key stakeholders, including a principal, pastor, and school board have different rights and responsibilities. Creating a school system requires coordinated leadership across the system and the ability to implement policies consistently and broadly and to plan adequately and thoroughly for the future. Recognizing that effective school governance is a critical step in building and maintaining a school system, the Blue Ribbon Committee studied governance models of other school systems to inform their recommendation for a new governance model. A recurring theme emerged which showed a constant dynamic between individual schools and the central governing body regarding the management of both the school system and individual schools. Noting the constancy of interaction necessary between a local and central authority and respecting the benefits of having each player focused on his/her own area of expertise, the Committee proposed a hybrid governance model centered in a spirit of collaboration, transparency, and accountability. The Archdiocesan Collaborative School (ACS) model utilizes the strength of both local and central authorities to build a unified school system well positioned for the long-term sustainability of Catholic schools. For these reasons, the Department of Catholic Schools views the eventual transition of all Catholic schools to the Archdiocesan Collaborative School (ACS) model, as recommended by the Blue Ribbon Committee s 2010 Strategic Plan, as paramount to the future success of the Archdiocese s school system. Question: How does this model and the Blue Ribbon Committee s research tie into our unique Catholic identity? Answer: The Archdiocesan Collaborative School (ACS) model was inspired by the Catholic social justice principle of subsidiarity, which holds that decisions of governance are best left to the most capable level of government closest to those affected by the decision. In the context of school administration and governance, the Committee interprets the principle to mean that, to the greatest extent possible, particular and ongoing decisions regarding daily school operations 1
should be made at the local level, with ongoing support from a central office to provide specialty expertise including strategic planning, finance, enrollment management, marketing and communications and development/fundraising. Question: What is an Archdiocesan Collaborative School (ACS) and how are schools selected for this model of governance? Answer: The ACS is a collaborative model of governance for Catholic elementary schools which utilizes the strengths of local and central leadership while fostering a shared accountability for the operation and success of Catholic schools. The ACS model was created to ensure a strong school system best organized to address the 21 st century challenges facing Catholic schools including affordability, financial stability, strong Catholic identity, leadership development, long-term data driven planning, and enrollment/recruitment in an atmosphere of collaboration, transparency, and accountability. Schools may transition to an ACS at their request or upon the change in pastoral leadership. Question: How does an Archdiocesan Collaborative School (ACS) function? Answer: The ACS model functions on the Catholic principle of subsidiarity. Decisions regarding day-to-day school operations are made by local leadership. In areas requiring specialty expertise and best practices, school leadership is supported by the Department of Schools with access to resources and expertise in the areas of strategic planning, school board development, finance, program development, human resources, enrollment management, marketing and communication, and development/fundraising. Pastoral and spiritual care for the school would remain with the local pastor or canonical representative for schools unattached to a parish. Question: Who is accountable for the various areas of responsibility in this collaborative structure? Answer: An Archdiocese Collaborative School (ACS) engages key stakeholders to promote the common good of Catholic school education for families and their children while fostering collaboration, transparency, and shared accountability for the long-term sustainability of the school. Every school is supported by the following key stakeholders: Archbishop: Responsible for the overall Catholic identity of Catholic schools, holds reserved powers that he may delegate to the Superintendent. 2
Superintendent of Catholic Schools: Oversees the Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic school system with responsibility for the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Catholic Schools, development of school system policies, and ensuring the mission of Catholic education. The Superintendent is reviewed by the Archdiocesan Catholic School Board and appointed by the Archbishop. Archdiocesan Catholic School Board: Advises the Archbishop and Superintendent on strategic planning and implementation at the system level, school system policy, development, finances, facilities, and leadership matters affecting Catholic schools. Board members are appointed by the Archbishop. Principal: Responsible for ensuring the school is operated in accordance with the mission of the Archdiocese and school, and overseeing the longterm planning and day-to-day operations of the school in consultation with the local school board. Principal is reviewed by the local school community including faculty, staff and school board and appointed, mentored, and evaluated by the Superintendent. Canonical Representative: Nurtures the Catholic identity of the school through the celebration of Mass and the sacraments, community engagement/spiritual formation, and ongoing evaluation. Promotes Catholic school education to the local parishes and represents their interests through consultation with the principal and participation at school board meetings. The Canonical Representative, usually a pastor, deacon, or other religious, is appointed by the Archbishop. Local School Board: Oversees and deliberates, with specified jurisdiction, policies and procedures regarding finances, development, marketing, facilities, and other areas of school operations. Participates in ongoing school board development initiatives to educate new and current members. The Board would not have authority in curriculum instruction and personnel decisions. The School Board members are appointed by the Archbishop in consultation with the Superintendent and Principal. Question: How will the ACS model affect the day-to-day operations of the school? Answer: Since the ACS refers to a governance model, it should not affect the day to day operations of the school. It is designed to ensure schools have access to expertise and resources necessary to foster collaboration, transparency, and shared accountability for the long-term sustainability of the 3
school. Question: Will we need to restructure our school board? Answer: That depends on your current model. Archdiocesan policy states that school boards must: be composed of 10-17 members; have no more than two parents; operate within the committee structure with the recommended standing committees including Executive, Catholic Identity, Finance, Enrollment Management, Marketing, Development, Facilities, Strategic Planning, and Membership; and have members approved via the nominating requirements of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and approved by the Archbishop. Question: What is the advantage of transitioning to the ACS model? Answer: The Archdiocesan Collaborative School (ACS) model utilizes the strengths of local and central leadership and is organized to address the 21 st century challenges facing Catholic schools with specialty resources. Specific benefits include: Principals are selected, mentored, evaluated by and report to the Superintendent, not the board. Therefore, an educator is his/ her supervisor; The Principal and Board have resources with expertise in areas including strategic planning, leadership development, Catholic identity, finances, human resources, enrollment management, marketing/communications, and development; A canonical representative ensures connection with the local parish community and actively promotes Catholic schools within the faith community; and Effective governance in an individual school contributes to the health and vitality of a unified school system which in turn ensures the long-term sustainability of all Catholic schools. Question: We are a regional school with a deliberative school board. How will transitioning to the ACS model affect us? Answer: The board will remain deliberative but the structure may be changed to align with the ACS model. The ACS policy states that school boards should be composed of 10-17 members. No more than two parents may be on the board. Also school boards should operate within the committee structure with the recommended standing committees including Executive, Catholic Identity, Finance, Enrollment Management, Marketing, Development, Facilities, Strategic Planning, and Membership. All members must be approved via the nominating 4
requirements of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and approved by the Archbishop. The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws may change as well. The financial viability of the school will be monitored by the Archdiocese s Director of School Finance to ensure transparency and operational effectiveness. Question: In the ACS model, who has oversight over a school s financial performance, including budgets, expenses, tuition, and tuition assistance? Answer: The Principal and local school board set the budgets based on expenses, tuition, and tuition assistance. A standardized financial review is conducted by the Superintendent and Director of School Finance to ensure financial transparency, operational effectiveness, and a balanced budget. Question: If we get into financial trouble or our enrollment drops, who will help us? Answer: The Archdiocese of Baltimore will assume responsibility of the financial performance of an ACS and provide available specialty resources including strategic planning, school board development, finance, enrollment management, marketing and communication and development/fundraising. Question: Our School Board is deliberative and includes the authority to hire the principal. Will this hiring decision remain our responsibility? Answer: No, you will no longer hire and dismiss the Principal. This responsibility will rest with the Superintendent with feedback from members of the school community including the school board, faculty, and staff. Question: Does the board maintain full fiduciary responsibility for the school? Answer: Under the ACS model, the local school board has shared fiduciary responsibility for the school along with the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Question: What are the specific responsibilities of the Principal within the ACS model? Answer: Ensures the operation of the school in accordance with the Archdiocese s and school s mission. Serves as instructional leader. Oversees curriculum, instructional issues, and professional development. Hires and dismisses faculty and staff. Serves as an ex officio non-voting member of the school board. 5
Question: How will our relationship with our parish be impacted when we adopt the ACS model? Will the school still have access to a priest for Masses and the sacraments? Answer: The ACS model is not designed to diminish the involvement of priests but enhance it by eliminating other non-spiritual, non-sacramental tasks. A priest, or Canonical Representative, will be appointed to each Archdiocesan Collaborative School. This individual will promote Catholic schools and represent the interests of the area parishes and will also celebrate school Masses and provide for the spiritual and sacramental needs of students and the school community. Question: What are the specific responsibilities of the Canonical Representative within the ACS model? Answer: Appointed by the Archbishop. Sits on the school board as a voting ex officio member. Represents the interests of local parishes at school board meetings and in meetings with the Principal. Consults regularly with Principal about matters of Catholic identity, and issues related to the local Catholic community. Organizes priests to serve as affiliated Priest Chaplains who are involved in the sacramental, spiritual and religious instructional life of the school. Attends school functions (graduations, fundraisers, other celebrations). Works with local pastors to support the school by utilizing parish publications, electronic communications and personal requests from the pulpit to inform parishioners and seek their support. Question: How will transitioning to the ACS model benefit teachers and classroom instruction? Answer: Within the day-to-day operations of classroom instruction, there will be little noticeable change. The benefit of an Archdiocesan Collaborative School to teachers/staff is through providing specialty expertise to school leadership to ensure academic excellence and program development, Catholic identity, leadership development, faculty and staff engagement, enrollment growth, and financial stability for the long-term sustainability of the school. Question: How will transitioning to the ACS model benefit our school families? Answer: Within the day-to-day operations of the school, there will be little change noticeable to families. The benefit of an Archdiocesan Collaborative School to families is through providing specialty expertise to school leadership to 6
ensure academic excellence, Catholic identity, leadership development, parent satisfaction, affordability, and financial stability for the long-term sustainability of the school. Question: What is the best way to explain the ACS model to current families? Answer: An atmosphere of trust and transparency is fundamental to the Archdiocesan Collaborative School, even if the changes do not impact the school community in the day-to-day operations. The Office of Communications and Department of Catholic Schools have worked with many schools to develop a custom communications plan based on the specific needs of a school community. 7