St. Ann is honored to be a Big Shoulders Fund Plus school, an initiative of 37 schools across Chicago. Big Shoulders Fund and its supporters made this commitment in recognition of the exceptional value that St. Ann provides to families and the important role we play in the community. We are partnering closely with Big Shoulders Fund to strengthen our school’s long-term sustainability and vitality.
Principals work directly with Big Shoulders to create and implement plans to improve in key areas such as academics, student recruiting, fundraising, etc.
strategic planning
student recruitment
Principals work directly with Big Shoulders to establish marketing and development/fundraising plans. Big Shoulders assists local staff in implementing the marketing and development plans through social media, annual appeals, etc.
Principals work directly with Big Shoulders to create and implement plans to improve in key areas such as academics, student recruiting, fundraising, etc.
Academic programs
Principals work directly with Big Shoulders to monitor the success rates of academic programs, to ensure that professional development supports increasing success rates, and to identify and take action in areas needing improvement. Principals continue to lead their staffs and are responsible to maintain appropriate accreditations.
personnel
Principals work directly with the Archdiocese on personnel matters; given that Principals and all other staff members are Archdiocesan employees and its personnel policies will be followed. All personnel-related policy questions are directed to Robert Bassett. Big Shoulders will be involved in Principal evaluations, and consulted as
appropriate in other personnel matters.
Financial operations
Principals and Business Managers work with Big Shoulders to approve budgets and large expenditures, create forecasts, etc. Schools continue to manage their finances – e.g., collections, bookkeeping, etc. The Principal is responsible for the school’s financial results.
Principals work directly with Big Shoulders to create and implement plans to improve in key areas such as academics, student recruiting, fundraising, etc.
facility
Principals work directly with the Archdiocese, using established Archdiocesan protocols; the Archdiocesan facilities department continues to assist with school projects. All projects must be presented to and approved by both the Archdiocese and Big Shoulders, and life-safety projects are funded by the parties on a 50/50 basis.
Scholarships
Big Shoulders Fund has been providing scholarships to deserving students since 1987. They provide more than 60 different types of scholarships that vary in duration and amount awarded — it all depends on the scholarship.
At Big Shoulders, the mission is clear: to provide students access to a quality, values-based education that helps them reach their potential. Contact your school leader for more information on Big Shoulders Fund traditional scholarships.