Pastor Letter – IHM School Fundraising Committee – Emailed October 13, 2023

Dear Parishioners,

SCHOOL OPERATIONS FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE

A Catholic Parish with a school always needs to do some kind of fundraising as we have never charged school parents the total cost to educate their child(ren). Historically, there has always been a “subsidy” from the church offertory to cover that remaining amount. On average in our diocese, the amount of tuition is less than 70% of the actual cost to educate a child. Our parish subsidy has been in recent years anywhere from 12% to 20%. That percentage changes annually due to enrollment of students.

With the onset of receiving the EdChoice Scholarships, this parish subsidy percentage will be reduced even more. We are going to be very cautious though, as we are not guaranteed officially that these EdChoice Scholarships will continue beyond school year 2024-2025! On the flip side of that coin, there are discussions that the program could increase awards and expand even further! Time will tell.

Therefore, fundraising will still be important. Last year it was decided (before knowledge of EdChoice Scholarships) to begin earmarking our school operations fundraising (formerly BINGO & Car Raffle) to improve the teachers’ salary scale. The net profit from this year’s 5K and 1-mile fun run, (Saturday, May 4th, 2024) will be supporting this cause!

IHM school parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bradley and Kayln Seislove, have been asked to assist me and Mrs. Bibiana Seislove (IHM School Principal) as chairs of the IHM SCHOOL OPERATIONS FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE.

This fall, all the money we raise on #WEGIVECATHOLIC (the annual day of giving set for Tuesday, November 28th, 2023) will likewise be earmarked for supporting the teachers’ salary scale improvement.

In late winter, 2024, Friday, February 9th the Seislove’s are also organizing a NIGHT AT THE RACES, also for this school operations endeavor.

Increasing our teacher scale to be much more competitive is a large undertaking! I just want you to be aware of these things, mark your calendars and save your pennies, to help us in school operations fundraising. This is a vital part of having a successful catholic elementary school!

Lastly, if any of you, school family or not, wish to assist the Seislove’s by joining their committee, many hearts make light the work! Please contact them by email [email protected] or call the school at 330-923-1220.

Many blessings,
Father Jim

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