What is CSAC and What Does it Do?

The Diocese of Sacramento requires every parish that operates a Catholic elementary school to ensure that the school establishes and maintains an advisory committee, commission or council – in a sense, a school board. St. Ignatius Parish School’s advisory board is known as our Catholic School Advisory Council (“CSAC”).

By its very nature, CSAC is advisory. It is accountable to our school’s Pastor (Fr. Tom Lucas, S.J.) and Principal (Ms. Patty Kochis) in its operation. Principal Kochis remains directly responsible for our school’s Catholic identity, curriculum, programs and personnel, and reports to Father Mike with respect to these matters. But Principal Kochis also works interactively with CSAC to address any issues in these areas and to formulate school policies, establish the school’s annual budget, foster parent engagement, and to engage in long-range and strategic planning, marketing and development activities.

Members of CSAC work for the common good of St. Ignatius Parish School and to advise Principal Kochis if and when requested. CSAC members also agree to support the school’s Mission Statement, promote the goals of our school’s Catholic and Jesuit education, assure that any controversial issues are presented and considered fairly and without bias, avoid conflicts of interest and maintain the confidentiality of any privileged information that may be discussed in executive session.

What are the Roles of CSAC’s Members?

CSAC is composed of school parents appointed to serve in various voting-member roles. Generally, CSAC has a President, Vice President, and Member-at-Large. CSAC also has various standing committees and, from time to time, ad hoc committees. The current standing committees of CSAC include the Annual Fund/Development Committee, the Marketing/Communications Committee, the Catholicity/Mission Effectiveness Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Facilities/Security Committee.

CSAC also has the following non-voting members: the Pastor of St. Ignatius School Parish, the school’s Principal, a Faculty Representative and a Parent Club Representative.

How is CSAC Membership Determined?

Any St. Ignatius parishioner or parent, twenty-one years of age or older, and whose child or children attend the school may be appointed to serve on CSAC. Candidates for membership must demonstrate a positive attitude toward the philosophy of St. Ignatius Parish School and agree to fulfill all of his or her various member-related responsibilities.

New membership is determined each year by a nominating process and ultimate appointment by the school Principal. Members serve for three-year terms that are staggered to provide continuity.

When Does CSAC Meet?

CSAC generally meets on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm. We usually meet in the Parish Ministries Room or in one of the new meeting rooms located in the school itself. CSAC welcomes any parent who wishes to attend a meeting, although please note that sometimes CSAC may need to engage in an executive session that will only be open to current members. Minutes from CSAC’s past meetings of the current school year are also posted on the school’s website.