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After years of trying to keep costs low there is pressure to raise the price of tuition at parochial schools. The increasing staff costs are difficult to manage. The emerging changes in teaching methods mean additional staff training costs. The erosion of the supporting congregation’s membership means less support from traditional sources. Even the neglected building maintenance is becoming a threat. [...]  “Is our tuition too high?”, is a frequent question. The easy answer is, “That depends on many things.” There are parochial schools that are free (no tuition, book fees, registration fees, etc.). Some Christian schools have a tuition that reflects the cost per student (tuition, book fees, transportation, and everything else). Most schools are somewhere in between. Some of the in-between schools are successful. [...] The reality is that it is another tough year for parochial schools. Once again, many are seeing a decline in enrollment. There is concern about donor generosity. Most of the public schools, charter schools, cyber schools, and other private and Christian schools are improving their academic performance. [...] There is no reason to waste a tragedy. Congress takes advantage of every one to pass legislation to protect us from the next one. Business learns from each lost sale, failed experiment, and product failure. In sports, loss is justification for training that is more intensive or new skill building. Why should parochial schools closures be different? [...] Are you sure that your advertising budget is appropriate for your parochial school? Most of the Christian schools we know of use traditional advertising to promote the school. Does that make sense? Is your school a traditional consumer product or a unique product in a niche market? [...] Many of the parochial school boards expect the principal to perform feats of magic as well as accept full responsibility for everything that happens. While in theory it is reasonable, in practice it is impossible. The attitude makes the principal feel as if everything requires personal attention. [...] Everyone has the potential for greatness. Most of us feel a sense of fulfillment and joy when we achieve at our potential. As a leader, the challenge is to raise people to their potential. How? [...] We are often encouraged to think broadly. That is good advice but how should we act? Should a Christian school act broadly or is it better to act narrowly? [...] One fashionable idea is to create a network. We hear a lot about social networking (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.). Many people are trying it. Many people are struggling with the complications. Everyone is sure it will be better the next time he or she does it. That is the usual start up process for great ideas and failures. Once you are able to socially network a parochial school to its alumni, how does that help your mission? [...] Budgeting, planning, and avoiding cost reductions are key elements of sustainability. Now is the time to finalize next year’s budget. Here are a few thoughts to help the process. [...] |
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