March 2008

 Dear Parents,

            The School Board Finance Committee and the administration have completed the budget process for School Year 2008-2009.  Both the Parish Finance Committee and the pastor, Msgr. Michael Schleupner, reviewed and approved the new budget.  Every effort was made to keep tuition affordable for our families while covering increased expenses for health benefits, salaries, maintenance, and student books and materials.     

            All parties involved in the budget process agree that the key to the viability of

St. Margaret School is keeping student enrollment high and tuition reasonable, increasing the School Endowment Fund, and tapping new resources.  I urge you to encourage new families to join our school community.  Sustaining and increasing enrollment will enable St. Margaret School to continue the strong religious and academic programs offered to all students on both campuses.

            The increase in tuition is based on a continuation of the multiple child discounts.  In addition, other costs that impacted the budget are: 

·        Increased health benefit and property/liability costs

·        Payment on the debt for the Middle School building

·        Teacher and staff salary increases

·        Purchase of a new math series for gr. K-8

·        Hosting the Middle States Visiting Team in November

The book bill and materials fees for the upcoming year were increased to cover the rising costs of textbooks, materials, and Archdiocesan fees.  This is the first increase in fees since 2001.  There will be a small textbook credit of $29.87 deducted from each student’s materials or book bill fee.  These credits are provided through the Nonpublic School Textbook Loan Program included in the Governor’s budget this year.  Our school’s allotment amounted to $26,226.74 for the purchase of textbooks. All materials purchased through this program are labeled “Property of the State of Maryland for Loan to Students”. 

The tuition payment options will continue to be: payment in full on or before July 1, 2008, with a 2% discount, or ten month direct debit beginning July 5 or July 20.  A $500 per family tuition deposit is required by May 16, 2008.  This amount will be deducted from your family’s tuition bill that is mailed to you in early June.  All tuition and fees are nonrefundable

The Parish Tuition Assistance Committee will be awarding grants to school families again this year.  Last year, $105,000 was awarded to parishioners with children enrolled in our school.  Applicants are informed in May about their grant amount.  I urge any family who may need assistance to apply immediately.  Please contact the Parish Office for the Tuition Assistance package.  Your application would be considered in the second round of appeals during June.    

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation in the important task of educating your children.  This letter and the tuition/fees chart can be accessed on our website www.smsch.org.

 

                                                                                       Sincerely,

                                                                                       School Board Finance Committee