|
This week I’d like to muse on school finance, particularly the VCHS budget. Don’t yawn. It’s actually very interesting how private schools like ours are non-profits but still run like a business. For us that business is sacred. We’re equipping high schoolers, made in God’s image and for whom He cares deeply, for lives of purpose, service and leadership.
The VCHS budget can be likened to a household budget. It’s fairly simple and straightforward. On the revenue side, tuition only covers 73% of annual expenses. What makes up the rest?
All Saints Fund – 9% (Charitable Giving)
Tuition Angel Fund – 8% (Charitable Giving)
Endowment Distribution – 5%
Rental Income – 3%
Miscellaneous – 2%
On the other side of the budget, we carefully manage and steward our expenses. Personnel costs, like teacher salaries and benefits, are 65% of the budget followed next by building and grounds (13%) and technology, fine arts and athletics (11%).
Why am I writing this now? Next week we kick off VCHS Gives, a 3-day giving campaign supporting the All Saints Fund. Unlike a household budget, we build our budget trusting in the generosity of the VCHS community to bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost to educate each Saint with excellence.
Over the last 27 years, VCHS has been sustained through that generosity. Parents, grandparents, alumni parents, alumni, board and faculty/staff make it happen. During last school year’s campaign, 85 VCHS parents not only sacrificed for their own child(ren) in paying tuition but also made a charitable gift to support the All Saints Fund.
As you consider your year-end giving priorities, please keep VCHS in mind. A gift to the All Saints Fund, regardless of size, propels us forward with higher levels of excellence and is an investment in the 150 Saints who we have the privilege to serve as we prepare them for college and life.
Steve O'Neil
Head of School
| 
