In Catholic education, school advisory councils are consultative. This means that they participate in the decision-making process, but they do not have the authority to make final decisions. The members of the School Advisory Council work together to assist the principal and pastor with the short-term and long-term needs of the school. They work to create policies for the school, monitor the budget, spread the Good News through marketing and assisting with other areas that help make the school viable.
The overall success of the School Advisory Council is highly dependent upon each member’s clear understanding of those areas in which the council should be involved. The designated school pastor and the principal must consult with the council in the areas of strategic and long-term planing, policy making, fiscal planning and monitoring, public relations, and the maintenance of buildings and grounds.