School Advisory Board

The Notre Dame School Advisory Board is an advisory body that serves various roles to support and execute the vision and mission of the school administration while working in concert with our pastor and school leadership. The School Advisory Board is composed of representatives from school administration and parents of Notre Dame students. In the Diocese of Joliet, school boards are consultative in nature. The board agrees to operate following the policies and procedures set forth by the Joliet Diocesan Board of Education. The School Advisory Board is accountable to the pastor and to the principal in its operation.

The School Advisory Board will consist of 5-8 members, serving terms of up to three consecutive years. Terms may be renewed at the discretion of the pastor and principal. Members are expected to attend monthly meetings and participate in a Board committee. Committees include Finance, Operations and Strategic Planning, School Advancement, and Alumni Outreach. 

Members agree that they will use their talents, gifts, and insights for the common good of the community to promote the mission and goals of Catholic education. They will defer their personal agendas in order to discern with other members the issues, concerns, and challenges they face in meeting the educational needs of the students. Not only will they take seriously their role as advisors to the pastor and principal, but also they will accept the conditions of membership on the school board, namely the Code of Ethics, which describes the parameters of their collaboration and responsibility.

Meetings

Board meetings are typically held once per month while school is in session. The schedule for the 2024-25 school year is as follows:

  • Wednesday, 9/18/24 @ 7:15 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 10/16/24 @ 7:15 p.m.
  • Thursday, 11/14/24 immediately following Open House
  • Wednesday, 12/11/24 @ 7:15 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 1/15/25 @ 7:15 p.m.
  • February: No meeting
  • Wednesday, 3/12/25 @ 7:15 p.m.
  • April: No meeting
  • Wednesday, 5/14/25 @ 7:15 p.m.

The first 15 minutes of each meeting following Roll Call is open for Public Comment. Anyone who wishes to address the Board during this time should email schoolboard@notredameparish.org in advance to be added to the agenda.

Parents and parishioners are also always welcome to contact the Board directly with any questions or concerns. Once approved, minutes from each meeting will be posted on FACTS, where school families can login to review.

Advisory Board Guidelines

Guidelines for all diocesan schools are developed by the Joliet Diocesan Board of Education and administered by the superintendent of schools. At the parish level it is the responsibility of the pastor and principal to see that such guidelines are followed in the parish school. 

2024-25 members

Rev. Mark Bernhard, Pastor
Amanda Paul, Principal
Michelle Trench, President
Jennifer Barnes
Pat Johnston
Chris Panio
JD Rahal
Kevin Veselik

We serve and are grateful for the opportunity to support the staff, students, and community using God’s word and direction. We invite you to prayerfully consider joining the Board by submitting an application