Christian Schools Are Feeling the Economic Pinch

For many private, Christian schools, February is re-enrollment time.  Though my observations are strictly anectodal, I have seen that many Christian schools are facing the financial pinch.  Enrollments are headed downward in many parts of the country, and schools are struggling with ways to keep students coming through the door.  For most families, loss of a job by one working parent makes the difference between staying in or having to leave.  If you are facing some tough financial choices, you are not alone. 

I’ve not seen any national statistics on the effects of the economic downturn on private, Christian schools.  What I have seen are several schools around me have to consider some tough budget choices in order to make the budget belt reach around the school’s need.  Several area schools have frozen their payroll and kept tuition the same, taking reserve funds to balance the difference.  If you have strong capital reserves, you may be able to do this and weather the storm.  Hopefully, by the time the next re-registration period rolls around, the economic outlook will be better.  At least one school that I am aware of has dropped a couple of expensive athletic programs.  Some schools are hoping that tuition insurance will help with the decline of their student population.  What has been heartwarming to observe, at least in this particular area, is that most schools, while not planning to add new personnel to replace those who are leaving at the end of this year, are also not planning to lay off staff members if they can possibly avoid it.  It certainly helps to have a Christian philosophy governing your conduct of business, to the point where staff cuts are a very last resort.  That certainly says something about the character of your school.

There are some things you can do, as parents, administrators, and even teachers, to help out.

1.  Pray.  We know God answers prayer, and when Christians pray in Jesus’ name, essentially in the will of God, he answers the prayers.  Sometimes, we do not have because we do not ask.  So ask. 

2.  Teachers, administrators and school staff can determine to live without a raise in salary.  We know you probably deserve it, and you can certainly use it.  But in trying to work with everyone to come to a solution, it might be the right time to say, “not this year.”  Down the road, when things bounce back, people will remember the sacrifice you made, and so will the Lord.

3.  Administrators and boards can be creative in financial matters.  Look for places where you can eliminate things that might not be absolute necessities.  How can the board reduce costs?  What kinds of things can administrators do to trim the operating cost of the school?  Where are the things that could be considered “extras” or “luxuries”? 

4.  If you are fortunate to have capital reserves, think about what percentage of what you have on hand can be applied to operating expenses to help keep the school going and avoid cutting payroll, layoffs or tuition increases. 

5.  Increase your fundraising efforts.  Not just the sale of some kind of product, but give the business community an opportunity to step up to the plate, especially those who can. 

6.  Parents who are unaffected by layoffs or cutbacks can remember to put a little bit extra in their tuition check each month. 

7.  Remember the Biblical principle that says “to whom much is given, much is required.”  Those families who have an abundance, here is an opportunity for you to graciously help things move forward as much as you can.

8.  Whenever you have a gathering, say, grandparents day or a school program, or even an athletic event, pass the plate.

9.  Let the students come up with creative ideas for fundraising, then allow them to implement their ideas.

Gee, I wanted to come up with ten, but nine will have to do.  There are a lot of ways you can make every dollar work as efficiently as possible. 

Prayer is the key.