Video recording of town hall meeting at Mt. Olive Lutheran

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

Townhall Meetings

1. Why are tuition changes necessary at this time, and what is the overall goal?
   The previous tuition structure was no longer financially sustainable. The goal of the updated model is to ensure our school can continue providing high quality Christian education, support our faculty, and care for our facilities in a responsible and stable way.

2. How does the new tuition model relate to the cost to educate a student?
   The new structure more closely reflects the actual cost of providing a Christ-centered education. This helps the school operate on solid financial footing rather than relying on unpredictable shortfalls.

3. What does it mean that congregational support funds are combined and allocated through FACTS?
   Instead of each congregation handling support separately, member support dollars will be placed in one shared fund and distributed fairly based on verified financial need.

4. How does the FACTS process work, and how is privacy protected?
   Families confidentially submit financial information through the FACTS platform. FACTS evaluates need using a standardized national model similar to college FAFSA applications. Only designated individuals review this information, and all data is handled with strict confidentiality.

5. How will multi-student families be supported without the former discount?
   Families with multiple students who demonstrate financial need may receive additional assistance through the FACTS process, ensuring support is directed where it is most appropriate.

6. What are some of the key decisions the Executive Council recently approved?
   Member support dollars from Mt Olive, Peace, and Eagle Lake will be combined into one shared fund and allocated to families based on documented financial need through FACTS. Financial assistance will be needs based and applied consistently. Multi-student discounts will be discontinued. Tuition will move toward reflecting the true cost to educate, with compassionate support for families who need it.

7. What are special provision considerations?
   Special circumstances that may not fit neatly into the application process, such as temporary hardship, medical situations, or unique family dynamics, may be reviewed individually to ensure compassion and fairness. Families may contact their pastor or Bob Fosburgh, the tuition coordinator, for additional consideration.

8. Will tuition increase this coming school year?
   Yes. Tuition will increase as part of our three-year plan to bring tuition in line with the true cost to educate. Each year’s adjustments will be introduced in manageable steps to support families during the transition.

9. How do member and non-member tuition levels compare under the new model?
   Member families receive a $900 member discount per student and have access to the combined congregational support fund, which helps reduce tuition based on family need. This provides meaningful support for families within our congregations.

   Non-member tuition reflects the full cost to educate a student. However, non-member families may be considered for needs-based assistance through the Share-Care initiative, which provides support in qualifying circumstances. Families with questions are encouraged to contact one of our pastors or Bob Fosburgh for more information.

10. What additional financial assistance may be available?
    A special support fund called Care Share is being established to assist families who experience greater need or unexpected circumstances. This fund will be made possible through private donations from members of our three congregations who wish to ensure that every child who desires a Christian education may continue to receive one. The tuition assistance manager and our pastors will guide these allocations, and requests will be handled with the highest degree of discretion and care. More information will be shared as the structure of this fund is finalized.

11. Why are we not projecting gala or fundraising outcomes at this time?
    Fundraising amounts vary from year to year. Instead of relying on uncertain dollars to balance the budget, we are building a financial structure that is steady and sustainable.

12. How will these changes support faculty and classrooms?
    A sustainable financial foundation will allow us to support our teachers fairly, maintain classrooms and materials, and strengthen programs that directly benefit students.

13. What is the plan for the middle school transition?
    There will be a phased approach that includes facility preparation, classroom planning, and scheduling considerations. Additional updates will be shared as details are finalized.

14. How are enrollment, branding, and communication being coordinated?
    The Enrollment, Branding, and Communication Subcommittee is actively developing how we share information with our congregations and the community, and how we encourage new families to consider our school.

15. How can parents help with enrollment?
    Personal recommendation remains our strongest influence. Inviting families to visit or simply sharing your experience makes a meaningful difference.

16. What are the roles of the Executive Council and the Board of Directors?
    The Executive Council provides vision for the school, high level governance, and accountability. The Board of Directors oversees day-to-day operational decisions. Both groups work closely in partnership.

17. How will faculty input be included going forward?
    Faculty perspectives remain important. The new structure includes regular collaboration points to ensure classroom needs are understood and supported.

18. Will one of the Town Hall meetings be recorded?
    Yes. One session will be recorded and shared for those who cannot attend.

19. How will updates continue after the Town Halls?
    Updates will continue through congregational communication, school newsletters, and periodic joint reports.

20. What if my family has a unique situation or personal concern?
    Families are encouraged to reach out confidentially to a pastor or to Bob Fosburgh. Individual needs will be handled with care, respect, and privacy.