School Governance

MIssion of the School Board

The Billings Catholic Schools School Board will guide and support the mission of the Billings Catholic Schools.

How can I Participate?

Community members may participate in governance through a variety of avenues, including:

• Attending Board of Education meetings
• Speaking during designated public comment periods
• Submitting written feedback to the Board or administration
• Participating in policy review processes when applicable
• Attending community listening sessions or informational meetings
• Serving on Board committees or task forces when opportunities are available

The Board welcomes thoughtful feedback and values diverse perspectives as it carries out its responsibility to govern Billings Catholic Schools.

Public COmment

The purpose of public comment is to provide an opportunity for community members to share information, concerns, questions, or perspectives with the Board.

To ensure that meetings remain productive and focused on governance responsibilities:

• Public comment is generally limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.
• Speakers are asked to remain respectful and focused on the issue being presented.
• The Board will generally listen but will not engage in debate or immediate discussion during public comment.
• Issues raised during public comment may be referred to administration, a Board committee, or a future Board agenda when appropriate.
• The Board generally will not take action on matters introduced for the first time during public comment.
• Are you interested in speaking at an upcoming board meeting? Notify us today!

Being heard is an important part of the governance process. However, public comment is intended to inform the Board’s deliberations and does not guarantee a particular outcome or Board action.

Upcoming Meetings & Board Materials

Board agendas are published no later than the Friday prior to regular board meetings and may be updated as necessary.

How are BCS Policies Reviewed?

The Board reviews policies on a regular schedule to ensure they remain aligned with the mission of Billings Catholic Schools, diocesan guidance, best practices, and the needs of the school community.

Not all policies require community feedback. Policies generally fall into one of three categories:

Governance Policies

These policies relate to the Board’s fiduciary and governance responsibilities, including matters such as board operations, financial oversight, committees, and bylaws. These policies are typically reviewed by the Board and its committees.

Operational Policies

These policies govern administrative procedures and internal operations. Input may be sought from affected stakeholders when appropriate.

Community Impact Policies

Certain policies directly affect students, families, and community life within the school system. Examples may include:

• Student conduct
• Athletic participation
• Artificial Intelligence policies

When Community Impact Policies are scheduled for review, the Board may invite stakeholder input through written feedback, listening sessions, surveys, or other engagement opportunities.

Community Impact Policy Review Calendar

Shared Commitment

The Board of Education is committed to transparency, accountability, and meaningful engagement with the Billings Catholic Schools community. Likewise, community members play an important role by staying informed, reviewing available information, participating in established processes, and engaging respectfully in discussions about the future of our schools.

Together, we strengthen the mission of Billings Catholic Schools and ensure decisions are made thoughtfully, consistently, and in service of our students.

Responsibilities:

The BCS School Board is a board of limited jurisdiction, meaning it is constituted by the bishop to govern the education program, subject to certain decisions that are reserved to the bishop or other administrator. The BCS School Board has responsibility in the following areas:

• Planning – establishing mission, goals, vision/direction, future planning
• Policy Development – policies that give general direction for administrative action, not those that govern day-to-day operations
• Financial – developing plans/means to finance the education programs including tuition and fundraising; allocate resources according to a budget; monitor financial plans
• Public Relations – communicating with various publics about the programs and listing to their needs and concerns, recruiting students, and promoting the education programs
• Evaluation – determining whether the school’s and board’s goals are being met – not evaluating individual staff members, administrators, or students – and determining the board’s own effectiveness

BCS President’s School Board Reports

School Board Meeting Minutes

BCS School Board Application

The mission of the Billings Catholic Schools School Board is to guide and support the mission of  Billings Catholic Schools. BCS School Board terms are three years, with the option of serving up to two consecutive terms. BCS School Board members may also be asked to serve as a member of a BCS Board Committee, which may include Mission and Catholic Identity, Operational Vitality, Facilities, Governance and Nominations, or another future task force or committee. The time commitment required of BCS School Board members includes one board meeting per month, possible monthly committee meetings, and attendance or participation in one to two school events per quarter. Email bcs@billingscatholicschools.org or call the BCS Administration Office at 406.252.0997 if you have questions or need additional information. Applications are due March 31, 2026.

BCS President

Andrew McDonald
BCS Administration Offices
at Billings Central Catholic High School
3 Broadwater Avenue, 59101
PO Box 31158
Billings, MT 59107
406.252.0997

BCS Foundation Staff & Board