​Administrative Structure of Elementary Schools

Elementary schools in the archdiocese have two essential administrators: the pastor and the principal. In addition, elementary schools operate under a variety of administrative structures that are tailored to the needs of the students, staff and parish community.  For instance, certain schools may have a vice principal.  The common goal, regardless of structure, is to implement the foundational principles of elementary schools, which are Mission and Catholic identity​,​ academic excellence, operational vitality, and leadership and governance to maintain a supportive, safe community.

School Boards

Elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles  may have a consultative school board to assist the school community in its essential goals of educating young people and passing on the Catholic faith and its traditions to students. 

The purpose of the consultative school board is to promote broader participation in the operations of the school, to invite administrative and financial counsel in formulating school policies, and to assist in devising and maintaining plans designed to assure the school's success.  The consultative school board may be engaged in such matters as planning, policy development, financing, development, technology, public relations, buildings and grounds, alumni relations, marketing and evaluation of the board's goals, and activities of the board. 

Consultative school boards are required to work with other established groups in the school and parish community, including a parent-teacher organization, the parish council, and the Parish Finance Council . No more than one-third of the board membership should be the parents/guardians of currently enrolled students.

Consultative school boards serve at the pleasure of the pastor and principal, and all actions of the board shall be seen as counsel to the pastor and principal, who shall act in good faith and without prejudice in accepting such counsel, provided that no board-recommended action conflicts with applicable Church laws, archdiocesan policies and practices, or civil law governing school administration.

Schools that wish to establish a consultative school board should contact the assistant regional superintendent at the Department of Catholic Schools to obtain assistance and models for investigation, education, and planning. See the Elementary School Consultative School Board: Constitution and Bylaws (sample).

Parent-Teacher Organization

Parent organizations in elementary schools are important: they promote parent/guardian support for the school program, increase mutual understanding between the school and parents/guardians, build a sense of school community, and assist in the financial support of the school. The Department of Catholic Schools encourages the formation of parent (or parent-teacher) organizations that follow archdiocesan policies.The PTO is advisory in nature and exists to support the principal and staff in their endeavors to provide quality, Catholic education for all students.  The PTO helps parents and teachers develop a mutual understanding of, and appreciation for, the ideals of Catholic education, especially in terms of proclaiming the Gospel message, building community, and educating for service and worship.

The official purpose of the PTO is to:

• Promote open communication among the parents, teachers, and administration
  

• Provide support for the principal in his or her role as the administrator of the school program
  

• Promote goodwill and cooperation between and among parents, faculty, administration and parish
  

• Direct and coordinate parental support through parent education activities and social functions that build community
  

• Help build and enhance the faith community of School and Parish
  

• Raise funds for the school
• The PTO officers are heavily involved in fundraising
  
• The principal must approve all fundraising activities
  

• Coordinate the service and volunteer programs