School Advisory Council (SAC)

The St. Clare School Advisory Council (SAC) is a dedicated group of parents who work closely with the pastor and principal to support and guide the school’s mission of providing high-quality Catholic education. Together, the SAC ensures that decisions are made in the best interest of our students, staff, and broader school community.

Our work focuses on six key areas:

• Strategic Planning: Shaping the long-term vision for the school’s future.
• Policy Development: Supporting and advising on school policies.
• Financial Guidance: Providing insight and recommendations on budgeting and expenditures.
• Public Relations: Acting as ambassadors to strengthen relationships between the school and community.
• Self-Evaluation: Reflecting regularly to ensure we’re effectively fulfilling our mission.
• Principal Selection: Participating in the process of selecting the school principal.

The SAC’s role is advisory, meaning we work as a collective body and are accountable to the principal, who serves as the council’s executive officer. As a team, we work to enhance the faith-based community of St. Clare, but no individual member can act or speak on behalf of the school or the Archdiocese without proper authority.

In alignment with the vision of St. Clare School, the SAC’s mission is to offer informed advice and thoughtful consultation to the pastor and principal in areas of policy, finance, and strategic planning. Our goal is to foster a collaborative environment that supports the continued growth and success of the school.

Our meetings are held monthly, and members of the St. Clare community are always welcome. If you would like to raise a policy issue or be included on the meeting agenda, please contact the SAC chair.

We welcome your voice as we continue working together to build a bright and faith-filled future for our children.

2024-2025 School Advisory Council Members:

Amy Varga, Chair
Mary Griffith
Brandon Posey
Beth Baenen
Caitlin Lodzinski
Jill Delong
Greg Laird
Erin Meyers
Brian Brown
Nick Heinrichs

On-Going Reports

Fr. Don Gutmann (Pastor)
Chris Harris (Principal)
Kirstin Strickland (Development)
Emily Bridge (Enrollment & Marketing)

Welcome to the St. Clare School community! As Chair of the School Advisory Council (SAC), I’m honored to work alongside our dedicated members, principal, and pastor in supporting the mission of St. Clare School. Our role is to provide guidance in key areas such as strategic planning, policy, and financial oversight, always with the goal of enhancing the educational and faith experience for our students and families.

We deeply value the input of our school families, and we encourage you to stay connected and engaged. If you have ideas or concerns, please feel free to reach out or join us at one of our upcoming meetings. Together, we can ensure that St. Clare remains a vibrant, thriving community for our children.

Warm regards,
Amy Varga
SAC Chair 2024 – 2025

St. Clare School Strategic Plan