Hello St. Ignatius Parish School Parents,

St. Ignatius Parish School is blessed to have numerous parents, grandparents, alumni and members of the administration, faculty and parish who volunteer and support the school’s Catholic education.  The Parent Club, which is our school’s primary fundraising organization, organizes great fundraising events like Amazing Grapes, Breakfast with Santa and the Gala Dinner & Auction.  We also have the Athletic Committee, which maintains and promotes our school’s strong sports programs, the Facilities and Safety Committee, which helps develop and implement topnotch safety and security procedures for the school, and a newly formed Grandparents Club.

Another important group at our school is the Catholic School Advisory Council (“CSAC”).  As part of welcoming you to the new school year, I wanted to introduce you to CSAC and provide answers to some “Frequently Asked Questions” about its role in the St. Ignatius Parish School community.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to me, Principal Kochis or any other current or former member of CSAC if you would like to learn more.

Kind regards,

Erin Weeden

CSAC President (2021-2022)

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.  Ms. Kochis remains directly responsible for our school’s Catholic identity, curriculum, programs and personnel, and reports to Fr. Tom with respect to these matters.  But Ms. 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 Ms. 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 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 in the evening.  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.

Who serves on CSAC this year?

Fr. Tom Lucas – Pastor

Patty Kochis – Principal

Katrena Paine – Vice Principal

Erin Weeden – President

Debbie Broderick – VP and Marketing/Communications

Sara Colwell – Marketing/Communications

Deb Russell – Director of Advancement and Annual Fund

Darrell Parsons – Annual Fund

Ryan Wilgus – Annual Fund

Daniel Baker – Facilities

Kyle Hansen – Mission Effectiveness

Lisa Hilton – Enrollment/Curriculum/Staffing

Chris Vick – Finance

Erin Wood – Member at Large

Jen MacDonald – Parent Club VP

Erin Myers – Parent Club VP