2.16.1 ADLA ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Pastor
The pastor is ex-officio the chief administrative officer of the parish school. He implements the policies of the archdiocese in the parish school. On matters not covered by the Administrative Handbook, the pastor determines policies consistent with archdiocesan policy and appropriate to the school's needs. Relying on the expertise of the Department of Catholic Schools, the pastor is ultimately responsible for the faith formation and operations of the school. However, he delegates the immediate direction and supervision of the school program to the principal.
Faith Formation
The pastor's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Establishing and maintaining the spiritual tone of the school with the cooperation of the principal and faculty
Providing for the liturgical and sacramental life of the school
Supporting and sustaining the Catholic school community as a community of faith
Operational Responsibilities
The pastor's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Principal
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles seeks leaders who:
Promote development in the faith by implementing, coordinating, and overseeing the religious education program of the school
Ensure the growth of every student by advocating, nurturing, and sustaining a school culture and holistic instructional program that is based on Gospel values
Establish high expectations for staff professional development
Ensure the success of the school through appropriate financial and personnel management, fund-raising and development, marketing and enrollment, plant management, and collaboration among all stakeholders.
Faith
Principals will:
Implement and update catechetical materials and religious instruction resources used in the school
Promote ongoing formation of staff through systematic planning of spiritual growth opportunities throughout the year
Lead meaningful and varied forms of daily prayer and at special times throughout the year for the school community
Model Catholic values and promote them throughout the school community
Emphasize Christian service learning that is carefully planned, age appropriate, and woven through the curriculum
Promote the success of all students by acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner consistent with Catholic social teaching
Ensure that the Catholic culture permeates all aspects of school life
Develop and maintain a collaborative culture with the pastor and parish
Excellence
Principals will:
Develop and maintain a collaborative staff culture to promote academic excellence for all
Direct a clearly articulated, rigorous curriculum aligned with relevant standards, 21st-century skills, and Gospel values, implemented through effective, data-informed instruction that incorporates research-based methodologies
Ensure the implementation of schoolwide assessment methods and practices to communicate student progress and direct the continuous review of curriculum and improvement of instructional practices
Provide and direct programs and services aligned with the mission to enrich the academic program and support the holistic development of student and family life
Lead the development and integration of technology to support the school
Stewardship
Principals will:
Understand and manage school finances, including budget development, ongoing oversight and projections, and tuition and fund-raising management
Hire, train, and supervise faculty and staff in accordance with archdiocesan guidelines, including the Principal's Transition Inventory
Optimize and maintain student enrollment in order to ensure school sustainability
Promote a safe, secure, and welcoming learning environment
Communicate effectively with stakeholders