6:30pm January 30, 2017
Cathedral School Principal’s Advisory and School Improvement Committee (PASIC) 6:30pm January 30, 2017 In Attendance: Cyril Sagan, Marlise Taylor, Christine Bost, Phineas Chanakira, Michelle Pearson, Brandy Baul, Stacie Miller, Stephanie Beard, Tim Nichols, Diane McGrady, Donna Moss, Kim Seder, Trudie Williamson, Barbara Dear The committee opened the meeting with a prayer. Chairperson’s Update A. The minutes from the last two PASIC meetings have been posted to http://www.cathedralschool.net/content.cfm?id=369. B. Parent Feedback 1. Since the last meeting, the only parent feedback was in regards to the old photos on the bulletin boards in the school hall. It was noted that most of the ones on the left board are new photos, and Trudie responded that the other board would have new photos in the next week. C. Cathedral School has been selected by master’s students at the Duke Stanford School of Public Policy for a case study on parent involvement. The first meeting will be Friday, February 3, 2017. D. Cathedral School has been named a finalist for Today’s Catholic Teacher Innovations in Catholic Education (ICE) award. Cathedral was selected in the “Promoting Catholic Identity” category for our “Serving God by Serving Others” program. Mrs. Moss will travel to St. Louis in April to receive the recognition for the school. There was a brief discussion regarding fundraising to send Mrs. Moss to the conference so as not to fund out of school budget. It was suggested that a Go Fund Me page be set up. No decisions were made, but Mrs. Moss and Barbara Dear will review the budget and estimate the cost of the trip. School Finances A. Barbara Dear gave an overview of the 2017-18 school budget. She noted that the tuition and fees in the budget are based on where things stand as of December 2016. Barbara and Mrs. Moss have created two versions of the budget based on different assumptions of enrollment for the 2017-18 school year. 1. The first version of the budget includes a 2 percent increase in tuition in kindergarten through eighth grades. PreK will have no increase. The K-4 tuition will be $6,300 and the 5-8 tuition will be $6,500. There is a concern that the SPARC program will not make budget this year. We lost about 20 SPARC students during this current school year. After consideration, it was decided to increase the SPARC fees by $1 per hour for the 2017-18 school year. This will bring the income category to $150,000. Mrs. Moss noted that she is worried about the increases for parents, but they felt like it was something that had to be done. There has not been an increase in SPARC fees since 2010, and our program is still significantly less than other area Catholic School after-school program. In terms of parish investment, the finance council has not yet met, but it is not expected to be less than in previous years. The amount included in the proposed budget is $106,986. A new item in the proposed budget is the line item for Deanery Support. Mrs. Moss explained that historically Bishop Gossman had basically agreed to charge other parishes for the faith formation of their parishioners who used Sacred Heart Cathedral’s formation programs. For instance, if a parishioner at St. Mary’s (example) is a student at Cathedral and participates in the faith formation at Cathedral, St. Mary’s would pay Cathedral for that formation. Non-parishoner students of Cathedral School who do not use the formation program would not be charged. Bishop Burbidge reinstated this policy, but the priest in the deanery have to agree on the funding and that had not yet been agreed upon as the time of Bishop Burbidge’s departure from the diocese. Cathedral would likely benefit
more so than other schools/parishes as it has the largest draw from other parishes in terms of school enrollment. Mrs. Moss noted that she has made a presentation to the deanery and asked them to vote. Father Justin is head of the deanery. There has not been word yet of the outcome of the vote, but after the meeting the rectors of St. Josephs and St. Andrews approached Mrs. Moss and offered to pay for their parishioner students. In last year’s budget it was anticipated that we would need to draw $13,379 from savings, but that ended up not being necessary, so that amount was not included in the proposed budget. For expenses, the largest increase in the proposed budget is in the wage and benefit line item. The budget includes a 2 percent increase to support staff (directors, office staff and SPARC workers). They have not had increases in a couple of years. Faculty members and assistants will be moved up one step on their scale, but no overall increase was budgeted. All other expenses remain the same as the current year budget, for a budget of $1,901,356 (income) and $1,900,271 (expenses) with a leftover amount of $1,085. 2. The second version of the budget includes different estimates for tuition income. Mrs. Moss explained this item by expressing concern over the Pre-K makeup. The current class has 19 students (we typically try to hold it steady at 18), however a large number of students are siblings and not from new families. There were three children on the Pre-K waiting list for this current year (and they have been admitted to kindergarten for next year), but there is still concern about the future of the program. As of today (Monday, January 30) there are only five applications for Pre-K for 2017-18. While the deadline for application is still a few days away, Mrs. Moss and Barbara Dear felt it necessary to have a second budget that assumes only ten students in Pre-K next year. Assuming this, there would be a decrease in tuition of $57,680, which would (taking into account the overage in budget #1) cause the budget #2 to be in the red by $56,595. If this scenario is realized, the deficit would have to be offset and it would likely have to come out of wages and benefits. Teacher contracts are not done until later in the year, so if it is necessary the teacher raises can be adjusted. However, the overall concern isn’t going away. B.
The concerns over Pre-K enrollment opened up a lengthy discussion regarding overall concerns with enrollment at Catholic schools. Many of the local schools have many open seats currently, and there is more competition from other non-public schools (i.e. Thales). The school recently did a mailing to 220 parish families with children entering K-2 to promote the school, but it is estimated that many of the families cannot afford private education. We have had two early tours this year, and the big tours/Open House are tomorrow (Tuesday, January 31). Staff also plans to do a census of families entering the school to better understand when and if there are younger siblings that we can expect to enroll later. The discussion took two different paths in terms of why enrollment is down and what can be done to encourage continued enrollment. One thought process assumed that the enrollment issues are purely economical in nature. It was suggested that we do an evaluation of when, and if, families leave Cathedral and why. Are there certain points when people leave? Is there a point where parents cannot make the 9-year financial commitment? If we are trying to recruit families who are going to be with us for nine years, it would make sense to lower the Pre-K tuition to match that of older students. The loss in Pre-K tuition income would be offset by keeping them for the entire nine years. If it is determined that families register just for Pre-K and then leave, then the answer is not to change the Pre-K tuition. Mrs. Moss noted that we typically have 50-75% retention after Pre-K. The second thought process was that there has been a shift in the value of a Catholic education. The question was raised whether there are any longitudinal studies that show the value of such an education over the long-term. If one can only pay for private education for a limited number of years, are the early years the best? Mrs. Moss noted that there isn’t much research into this topic.
Regardless of the reasons why, there is concern going forward and it will continue as the parish prepares to move and operate two campuses. There is concern that the help we currently receive from the parish may lessen or discontinue (i.e. custodian, etc.). It was reported that there are more parishioner students at Cathedral than ever before and we need to continue to market the school not just to parishioners, but to downtown employees/parents as well. C.
The participation in the school’s annual appeal was questioned. Mrs. Moss noted that we currently have received $32,000 out of our $50,000 goal. The committee again offered to make personal phone calls to families who hadn’t yet given to the appeal.
D.
There was a short discussion about brainstorming creative fundraising ideas (i.e. Go Fund Me). An example was asking parents to help fund a charter bus for 5th grade field trip. The consensus was that we need to be more creative in our “asks” and become more revolutionary.
Accreditation Work Session A. Cyril reviewed the details for the timing of the accreditation visit scheduled for Thursday, February 9. PASIC members are requested to arrive at the St. Dominic Center at 12:30 and expect to be finished by 1:30. B. Mrs. Moss shared with the committee sample questions that would be asked of members during the meeting with the accreditation team. Some expressed concerns, but those who have sat on committees before noted that the meetings would be conversational, and not to worry. C. The group discussed specific challenges, culture, favorite events, etc. that might be topics of conversation. 1. Challenges noted included budget, playground, land-locked (no green space), dual usage issues, parking, presumed safety 2. Culture – members described Cathedral School as inviting, resourceful, tight-knit, “like a family” 3. Key/Favorite events mentioned included International Night, Stations of the Cross by 8th grade, Father Daughter Dance, Catholic Schools Week themed days D. Mrs. Moss noted that the 5 Standards (below) are the language of the review team and we should be familiar with the standards. 1. Purpose and Direction (Mission and Catholic Identity) 2. Governance and Leadership 3. Teaching and Assessing for Learning 4. Resources and Support Systems 5. Using Results for Continuous Improvement E. Committee members were shown a slideshow that highlighted accomplishments for each year since the last accreditation visit. Informal Poll and Discussion A. Mrs. Moss expressed concern that other Catholic Schools in the diocese do not always make up snow days and don’t fulfill a complete 180 days of instruction each year. She brought up the idea of having a virtual school on inclement weather days where teachers would post assignments to Schoology and be available via email to assist students with assignments if necessary. There were questions about what age would be appropriate for this type of condition. Would it be for only older students? Would younger students be able to perform the assignments? It was asked whether the calendar could build in days in the school year to count for inclement weather,
but was noted that if there were no inclement weather closings, then the calendar of the end of the school year would need to change. No final decision was made, but the topic could be included in future meetings. Adjourn, review action items, upcoming meetings A. Next meeting (Accreditation) on February 9, at 12:30pm, St. Dominic Center B. HSA meeting, Thursday, February 2, 7pm, school hall C. Town Hall, Thursday, May 18, 7pm, school hall The meeting adjourned at 8:22pm. Respectively Submitted by Marlise Taylor, Secretary February 2, 2017
more so than other schools/parishes as it has the largest draw from other parishes in terms of school enrollment. Mrs. Moss noted that she has made a presentation to the deanery and asked them to vote. Father Justin is head of the deanery. There has not been word yet of the outcome of the vote, but after the meeting the rectors of St. Josephs and St. Andrews approached Mrs. Moss and offered to pay for their parishioner students. In last year’s budget it was anticipated that we would need to draw $13,379 from savings, but that ended up not being necessary, so that amount was not included in the proposed budget. For expenses, the largest increase in the proposed budget is in the wage and benefit line item. The budget includes a 2 percent increase to support staff (directors, office staff and SPARC workers). They have not had increases in a couple of years. Faculty members and assistants will be moved up one step on their scale, but no overall increase was budgeted. All other expenses remain the same as the current year budget, for a budget of $1,901,356 (income) and $1,900,271 (expenses) with a leftover amount of $1,085. 2. The second version of the budget includes different estimates for tuition income. Mrs. Moss explained this item by expressing concern over the Pre-K makeup. The current class has 19 students (we typically try to hold it steady at 18), however a large number of students are siblings and not from new families. There were three children on the Pre-K waiting list for this current year (and they have been admitted to kindergarten for next year), but there is still concern about the future of the program. As of today (Monday, January 30) there are only five applications for Pre-K for 2017-18. While the deadline for application is still a few days away, Mrs. Moss and Barbara Dear felt it necessary to have a second budget that assumes only ten students in Pre-K next year. Assuming this, there would be a decrease in tuition of $57,680, which would (taking into account the overage in budget #1) cause the budget #2 to be in the red by $56,595. If this scenario is realized, the deficit would have to be offset and it would likely have to come out of wages and benefits. Teacher contracts are not done until later in the year, so if it is necessary the teacher raises can be adjusted. However, the overall concern isn’t going away. B.
The concerns over Pre-K enrollment opened up a lengthy discussion regarding overall concerns with enrollment at Catholic schools. Many of the local schools have many open seats currently, and there is more competition from other non-public schools (i.e. Thales). The school recently did a mailing to 220 parish families with children entering K-2 to promote the school, but it is estimated that many of the families cannot afford private education. We have had two early tours this year, and the big tours/Open House are tomorrow (Tuesday, January 31). Staff also plans to do a census of families entering the school to better understand when and if there are younger siblings that we can expect to enroll later. The discussion took two different paths in terms of why enrollment is down and what can be done to encourage continued enrollment. One thought process assumed that the enrollment issues are purely economical in nature. It was suggested that we do an evaluation of when, and if, families leave Cathedral and why. Are there certain points when people leave? Is there a point where parents cannot make the 9-year financial commitment? If we are trying to recruit families who are going to be with us for nine years, it would make sense to lower the Pre-K tuition to match that of older students. The loss in Pre-K tuition income would be offset by keeping them for the entire nine years. If it is determined that families register just for Pre-K and then leave, then the answer is not to change the Pre-K tuition. Mrs. Moss noted that we typically have 50-75% retention after Pre-K. The second thought process was that there has been a shift in the value of a Catholic education. The question was raised whether there are any longitudinal studies that show the value of such an education over the long-term. If one can only pay for private education for a limited number of years, are the early years the best? Mrs. Moss noted that there isn’t much research into this topic.
Regardless of the reasons why, there is concern going forward and it will continue as the parish prepares to move and operate two campuses. There is concern that the help we currently receive from the parish may lessen or discontinue (i.e. custodian, etc.). It was reported that there are more parishioner students at Cathedral than ever before and we need to continue to market the school not just to parishioners, but to downtown employees/parents as well. C.
The participation in the school’s annual appeal was questioned. Mrs. Moss noted that we currently have received $32,000 out of our $50,000 goal. The committee again offered to make personal phone calls to families who hadn’t yet given to the appeal.
D.
There was a short discussion about brainstorming creative fundraising ideas (i.e. Go Fund Me). An example was asking parents to help fund a charter bus for 5th grade field trip. The consensus was that we need to be more creative in our “asks” and become more revolutionary.
Accreditation Work Session A. Cyril reviewed the details for the timing of the accreditation visit scheduled for Thursday, February 9. PASIC members are requested to arrive at the St. Dominic Center at 12:30 and expect to be finished by 1:30. B. Mrs. Moss shared with the committee sample questions that would be asked of members during the meeting with the accreditation team. Some expressed concerns, but those who have sat on committees before noted that the meetings would be conversational, and not to worry. C. The group discussed specific challenges, culture, favorite events, etc. that might be topics of conversation. 1. Challenges noted included budget, playground, land-locked (no green space), dual usage issues, parking, presumed safety 2. Culture – members described Cathedral School as inviting, resourceful, tight-knit, “like a family” 3. Key/Favorite events mentioned included International Night, Stations of the Cross by 8th grade, Father Daughter Dance, Catholic Schools Week themed days D. Mrs. Moss noted that the 5 Standards (below) are the language of the review team and we should be familiar with the standards. 1. Purpose and Direction (Mission and Catholic Identity) 2. Governance and Leadership 3. Teaching and Assessing for Learning 4. Resources and Support Systems 5. Using Results for Continuous Improvement E. Committee members were shown a slideshow that highlighted accomplishments for each year since the last accreditation visit. Informal Poll and Discussion A. Mrs. Moss expressed concern that other Catholic Schools in the diocese do not always make up snow days and don’t fulfill a complete 180 days of instruction each year. She brought up the idea of having a virtual school on inclement weather days where teachers would post assignments to Schoology and be available via email to assist students with assignments if necessary. There were questions about what age would be appropriate for this type of condition. Would it be for only older students? Would younger students be able to perform the assignments? It was asked whether the calendar could build in days in the school year to count for inclement weather,
but was noted that if there were no inclement weather closings, then the calendar of the end of the school year would need to change. No final decision was made, but the topic could be included in future meetings. Adjourn, review action items, upcoming meetings A. Next meeting (Accreditation) on February 9, at 12:30pm, St. Dominic Center B. HSA meeting, Thursday, February 2, 7pm, school hall C. Town Hall, Thursday, May 18, 7pm, school hall The meeting adjourned at 8:22pm. Respectively Submitted by Marlise Taylor, Secretary February 2, 2017
