The purposes and functions of the St. Monica School Advisory Council are outlined in the St. Monica Catholic School Advisory Council Constitution.
Generally speaking, the role of the Council is limited to advising the Pastor and the Principal on policy matters, including financial matters, strategic planning, and the operation and maintenance of school facilities.
The Council works with the President and the Business Manager to establish and monitor compliance with the School budget, which includes setting tuition and teacher salary schedules but does not include setting individual teacher salaries. No budget can be implemented unless it is approved by the Pastor and the Parish Finance Council.
The Council also creates and maintains a Strategic Plan for the School, and makes recommendations for the operation and maintenance of School facilities
While the Council establishes Advisory Council Local Policy on a broad range of topics including, admissions, communications, and grievances, the Pastor has final authority in all policy matters. All policies must be consistent with the Diocesan Policy and the Advisory Council Constitution. Under the St. Monica Grievance Policy (Local Policy 5.2), the Advisory Council Chairperson has appointed three persons to serve on the Grievance Committee. The role of the Grievance Committee is purely advisory, and the committee has no authority to rule on or decide grievances.
The Council is not involved with or responsible for establishing the procedures by which School policies are implemented. The procedures for implementing School policies are set by the President and the School Administration and published in the School Handbook. The Council is not involved in the day to day operation of the school
The Council also advises the Pastor concerning hiring, evaluating, and terminating the President, but is not otherwise involved in personnel matters.
Finally, the Council, or a Council Committee, may act as an appeal board if requested to do so by the Pastor, and may also conduct or participate in any other special assignments requested by the Pastor or the President.