Governance Structure & Roles

Understanding our collaborative educational community

A Shared Responsibility

The success of our Islamic education community depends on clear roles, strong partnerships, and shared commitment. Each organization and individual plays a vital role in supporting student achievement and Islamic character development.

Board Leadership

Executive positions guiding CISS strategic direction

Chairman

Vice Chairman

Secretary

Treasurer

Board Committees

Specialized teams driving key initiatives

Buildings Committee

Lead: Abdulrahman Abbas

• Supervision on the school maintenance and project renovations

Education PRSD Liaison

Lead: Hoda Kilani

• Arabic, Islamic, and Tahfeeth Programs
• Align both schools and support both principals
• Meet with instructors, identify needs, and recommend action steps

HR Committee

Lead: Dr. Mohammed Abdel-Hafez

• Review contracts of current employees and contractors and prospective recruitments
• Bring final recommendations to the Board for approval

Finance & Fundraising

Co-Lead: Marwa Ajram

• Add a fundraising specialist to the committee
• First fundraising event to be coordinated with Principals

Communications & Website

Lead: Ali Moussa

• Website development and maintenance
• Parent communications
• General outreach and updates

Governance

Lead: Mohamad Zohiri

• Review and update bylaws
• Define roles, responsibilities, and authorities
• Establish clear processes and procedures

Strategy

Lead: Basir Saleh

• Next strategy meeting: Sunday, March 29
• Long-term planning and vision alignment

CISS Bylaws

Review our official bylaws governing the Calgary Islamic School Society operations and policies.

View Bylaws

Calgary Islamic School Society (CISS)

Governing Society & Strategic Leadership

CISS is the registered non-profit society that provides governance, oversight, and strategic direction for all Islamic School of Calgary operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Governance & Oversight: Setting policies, bylaws, and strategic direction for all schools under CISS
Financial Stewardship: Budget approval, financial oversight, fee structures, and ensuring long-term sustainability
Hiring & Leadership: Appointing school principals and senior administration
Strategic Planning: Long-term expansion planning, including future campus development and new educational initiatives
Accountability & Transparency: Reporting to the community, maintaining open communication with parents, and ensuring schools meet their mission
Compliance: Ensuring adherence to Alberta Education requirements, legal obligations, and Islamic principles

Muslim Community Foundation of Calgary (MCFC) / Muslim Community Council (MCC)

Community Ownership & Facility Management

MCFC/MCC owns and manages the physical facilities and properties used by CISS schools, serving the broader Calgary Muslim community.

Key Responsibilities:

Property Ownership: Owning and maintaining school buildings and facilities on behalf of the community
Facility Management: Building maintenance, repairs, capital improvements, and safety compliance
Rental Agreements: Establishing lease terms and facility use agreements with CISS
Community Asset Management: Ensuring facilities serve the broader Muslim community needs beyond school hours
Strategic Partnership: Collaborating with CISS on facility planning and expansion projects

Parents

First Educators & Essential Partners

Parents are the primary educators of their children and essential partners in the Islamic education process. The school supports and extends the Islamic values taught at home.

Key Responsibilities:

Home-School Partnership: Reinforcing Islamic values, academic expectations, and behavioral standards at home
Supporting Learning: Ensuring students complete homework, attend school regularly, and are prepared for learning
Communication: Maintaining open dialogue with teachers and school administration, attending parent-teacher meetings
Volunteer & Engagement: Participating in school events, volunteering when possible, and contributing to school community
Feedback & Input: Providing constructive feedback, raising concerns through proper channels, and participating in surveys
Financial Commitment: Paying tuition fees on time and supporting fundraising efforts when possible

School Parents Council

Parent Voice & Community Building

The School Parents Council represents parent interests, facilitates communication between families and school administration, and organizes community-building activities.

Key Responsibilities:

Parent Representation: Serving as a collective voice for parents in discussions with school administration
Communication Bridge: Facilitating two-way communication between parents and school leadership
Event Organization: Planning and executing school events, fundraisers, and community activities
Volunteer Coordination: Recruiting and organizing parent volunteers for school activities and needs
Advisory Role: Providing input on school policies, programs, and improvements from a parent perspective
Community Building: Fostering a strong, connected parent community that supports all families

Program Advisory Group (PAG)

Alternative Program Guidance & Community Input

The Program Advisory Group provides advice and feedback to the CISS Board and administration on matters related to the Alternative Program, ensuring parent and community voices are heard in program decisions.

Composition & Key Responsibilities:

Diverse Membership: Composed of parents, community members, CISS board members, and school administration
Program Effectiveness: Regular meetings to discuss and assess the effectiveness of the Alternative Program
Community Needs Assessment: Identifying and addressing community educational needs and expectations
Strategic Input: Providing input on program direction, policies, and innovative initiatives
Continuous Improvement: Recommending enhancements and improvements to ensure the Alternative Program meets its objectives
Stakeholder Voice: Ensuring parent and community perspectives are integrated into program planning and decision-making

School Principals

Educational Leadership & Day-to-Day Operations

School principals are appointed by CISS to provide educational leadership, manage daily operations, and ensure high-quality Islamic education is delivered at their campus.

Key Responsibilities:

Educational Leadership: Setting academic standards, curriculum implementation, and ensuring educational excellence
Staff Management: Hiring, supervising, and evaluating teachers and school staff; providing professional development
Student Well-being: Ensuring safe, nurturing learning environment; addressing student discipline and support needs
Parent Communication: Maintaining regular communication with families, addressing concerns, and building strong partnerships
Budget Management: Managing school budget within CISS financial guidelines, resource allocation, and operational efficiency
Compliance & Reporting: Ensuring Alberta Education compliance, maintaining student records, and reporting to CISS Board
Islamic Environment: Fostering Islamic character development, maintaining Islamic values in all school operations
Community Engagement: Building relationships with parents, engaging with School Parents Council, and representing the school in the community

Working Together for Student Success

Our governance structure is built on collaboration, clear accountability, and shared commitment to Islamic education excellence. Each role supports and strengthens the others, creating a comprehensive educational community that serves our students and families.

Lines of Communication

For Day-to-Day School Matters:

Teacher → Principal → CISS Administration

For Governance & Policy:

Parents → School Parents Council → CISS Board

For Facility Issues:

Principal → CISS → MCFC/MCC

For General Inquiries:

Contact [email protected]