It is an extraordinary time in the life of The Healdsburg School (THS). The first K-8 student body, a new faculty, a new curriculum, and a new campus signify a wonderful time of promise and opportunity as the new school and community are formed. The role of Development within the THS community is to raise the money to help realize those promises and opportunities.
THS is distinctive but not unique. It is like most other independent schools in that tuition does not cover the entire cost of operating the school. As a private, independent school THS does not receive funding from government or religious institutions. Therefore donations are essential to the quality of education received. Development seeks donations to cover the costs of the new campus as well as the gap between tuition and operating costs. In this first year of K-8 the student body is about 50% of our capacity at the new campus. Tuition revenues are estimated to cover 43% of total operating costs, or 77% of teachers’ salaries. As the student body expands in the next few years tuition will cover teacher salaries and the gap between tuition and total operating costs will shrink.
However, in order to keep class sizes small THS will continue to rely on donations to cover that gap. We believe, and studies show, that smaller class sizes are directly correlated to children’s success in schools because teachers are able to give individualized instruction and attention to students. And we also know, all children learn differently. Therefore, as you can see, one of the keys to helping children grow to their fullest potential is keeping our class sizes small.
Development works through both private solicitations and the Annual Fund to enlist support for the school from parents, grand parents, friends, and the wider community. The Annual Fund will be launched in the fall each year specifically requesting unrestricted donations to cover operating costs. Our goal is 100% parent participation. We ask each family to contribute at what ever level is appropriate for their circumstances. Demonstrating the commitment, 100%, from our parent body helps in approaching other supporters. Contributions are used to help attract and retain the best teachers, develop programs, provide financial aid, and maintain the new facilities and campus. Development also works with other organizations that raise funds and choose to make THS the beneficiary.
In addition, the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) sponsors one major fund raising event each year. A parent volunteer also manages the Scrip Rebate program. The proceeds from Scrip and the annual major event both go to help cover school operating costs.
There are numerous ways to give to THS ranging from cash, check or credit card to matching funds or in kind donations. Please contact the Development Office at 707 433-4847 x 214 with any questions or for more information about ways of giving to The Healdsburg School.
