In July 2002, a School Committee was established at St. Francis Xavier School. Members were appointed by the Pastoral Council. The School Committee generally meets on the third Monday of each month.

The School Committee functions according the guidelines established by the Diocese of Superior.

Carry out responsibilities delegated to it by the Pastor and Pastoral Council,

Assist the Pastor and the School Principal in carrying out their leadership roles in the Parish School program.

The School Committee is consultative, i.e., the School Committee cannot make decisions binding for the school without the approval of the Pastor and the Principal. The School Committee collaborates with the Pastor, the School Principal and the Pastoral Council in the policy making process. Consultation also means that decisions will not be made in major matters related to the school until and unless the School Committee has been consulted. The School Committee will likely be consulted in the following areas concerning the Parish School:

Planning – establishment, formulation and review of the School Mission statement and WNSAA strategic plan.

Finances – developing long and short range plans and means to finance ongoing educational programs including tuition, parish subsidy, development, and fundraising. Develop the annual school budget and advise monthly in the allocation of resources in the school budgets.

Development, including Public Relations and Marketing – includes understanding the school’s mission, a commitment to that vision, the involvement of people, the development and presentation of a case statement to the public, and finally the acquisition of funds to bring the WNSAA plan to fruition.

Evaluation – determining whether WNSAA long-range strategic plans are being met; determination of the school committee’s own effectiveness (not involved in evaluating individual staff members, administrators or students).

Selection/Appointment of the Principal – participating in a consultative role according to the policies of the diocese and parish in determining the principal.

Committee Members are to meet the following criteria:

Interest in and commitment to Catholic Schools and the school’s mission and Catholic identity as a part of total Christian formation.

Available to attend meetings and periodic in-service programs and to participate in committee work.

Maintain high levels of integrity and confidentiality.

Able to deal with situations as they relate to the good of the entire school/parish community.

Be a credible witness of the Catholic faith to the school community and beyond.

Members are appointed, with pastoral approval, by the chairperson of the Pastoral Council. Members serve two years, with reappointment a possibility, pending willingness of the committee member to serve another term and the approval of Pastoral Council. Reappointment is possible after completion of all terms.

The School Principal and the Chairperson of the Home and School Association serve as ex-officio members of the School Committee.

Increase enrollment to 170 students with 100% retention for 2007/2008.

Create a database of potential students within our Parish Community, including, annual letters to families from Baptism through age 4 birthdays, and networking with the Little Knights and Welcoming the Little Ones programs.

Send letters/brochure to student families in all grades at Midway Elementary School.

Send letters/brochure to student families in Grade 5 at Pine River, Washington, Kate Goodrich and Maple Grove Elementary Schools.

Participate in local events including, Early Childhood Day, and Week of the Young Child.

Annual Open House Event at SFXCS in all grade levels.

Evaluate and recommend the development of a Pre-School program.

Continue outreach to school families through the Family Partnership Program.

Maintain Bulletin Board in Church Vestibule.

Weekly column in the Church Bulletin.

Monthly article in the Knightly News School Newsletter.

Quarterly articles in the Mountain Messenger Parish Newsletter.

Goals and activities in the School Handbook and the School Website.

Participate in local parades, Christmas and Labor Day.

Sunday Children’s Mass monthly during the school year, September through May. Work with the Religious Education program to include all students within the Parish.

Enhance weekly liturgies by including musical instruments performed by students.

Encourage participation by parents and grandparents in school and parish events and activities through the Family Partnership Incentive Program.

Encourage the development of education opportunities outside of core subject areas. Solicit involvement from Parish members to share their talents with our students.

Evaluate and recommend the development of an endowment fund.

Review and recommend the annual school budget.

Ensure that tuition is competitive within our market area.

Retention of current students by grade level.

Tabulate the number of new students by market segment.

Interview new student families at the beginning, middle and end of first year.

Conduct exit interviews with departing or graduating students and families.

Tabulate the number media placements.

Track participation at events.

We invite parents to share their comments and suggestions with our committee.

Karen Block

Julie Bushor

Chester Kwiesielewicz

Melissa Porath

Meredith Prebeg

Kevin Rell

Lisa Ruprecht

Linda Semling Peterson - Chairman

Dawn Swan - Parish Council Liaison