February 18, 2002
Dear Parents and Guardians,
One of the functions of the Nativity BVM School Board is to review the school finances and to plan for the future. As we plan for the 2002-2003 school year, our school board members have been meeting to prepare the budget for the upcoming school year.
Our projected school budget for the 2002-2003 school year is just under $900,000.00. As many of you know, the Nativity BVM Parish contributes $66,000.00 to the school9s operating expenses. The remainder of our school income depends on tuition and fee collection, fund raisers (Nativity Parent Association), interest from trust and endowment funds and donations.
Trying to provide the best quality education for your child is greatly connected to retaining and maintaining a competent and gifted staff We have been blessed over the years with highly qualified, dedicated and giving people who care greatly about children. These men and women have consciously chosen to be part of Nativity BVM School and to share in the ministry of Catholic education, despite personal financial sacrifice. As our area has grown, our local public school districts have been able to make tremendous gains. in the salaries of their staffs. Our salary scale remains at approximately 75% of our area public schools despite the fact that we have consistently increased our salaries each year
In assessing the areas of revenue and expenses our School Board. came to the conclusion that an increase in tuition/fees was necessary. Although we fully realize the struggles that families undergo to provide a Catholic education for their children, we also see the need to balance our income with necessary expenses. We have tried to keep the increase in tuition conservative (approximately 5%) while trying to provide for our current and future needs. Our cost per pupil is $3319.75 (K-6) per school year. The proposed increase will allow us to continue to provide quality programs, provide for a salary increase for our staff members and to continue the progress that we have made in technology and other areas of the school.
The tuition loan program will again be offered through Peoples Bank. The loans will be available in 9,10,11 and 12 month payments. Families who choose to pay their tuition in full may do so at any time on or before July 26th, the date set for final registration.
Families who are registered members of Nativity Parish or one of the other parishes should complete the parish subsidy sheet and return it to school by the indicated date on the subsidy form. Notification regarding the subsidy will be done in early June.
Tuition assistance is available for all families registered at Nativity School. Applications are available upon request and must be returned to the school office with accompanying verification of income on or before May 23rd. Notification about the amount of assistance will be done in early June.
It doesn't take a great deal of study to see that although our school is stable financially, additional funds allow us to do more.. for our staff and for our children. Our enrollment has remained stable over the last few years but we ask you to do all that you can to encourage others to consider our school.
The education of children is a very important ministry that we share. Please know that we are here to work with you in providing the best possible experience for your child.
The education of children is a very important ministry that we share. Please know that we are here to work with you in providing the best possible experience for your child. May God continue to bless us and bless our Nativity School family.
/s Sister Mary Jo