Director's Corner - Financial Aid Forms and Tuition Rates Mailed

All currently enrolled families should have received this week an envelope in the mail with information concerning the 2012-2013 tuition rates and tuition assistance process.  It was also mailed to anyone showing interest in joining the Owensboro Catholic Schools family.  It is our hope and assumption that all have received this important packet.  If you have not, please stop by the OCS Central Office or call us at 270.686.8896 and we will provide you with a packet.

As noted in the letter accompanying the information, the base tuition rate for 2012-2013 will increase by a modest 2% (compared to 3% for the current school year).  For a family with a one student enrolled K-12, the increase is $70 or $5.83 per month.  The increase for a family with one in high school, the increase is $120, or $10 per month.  Given the continuing uncertain economic times, every effort was made by all involved in building the budget (Central Office personnel, Principals and budget managers, and Finance Committee members) to minimize the tuition impact on our families while still allowing the opportunity to maintain and sustain excellence in Catholic faith formation and academics across our system.  Please note the following:

·         Your continued investment, along with all families who choose Owensboro Catholic Schools, will provide 56.7 % of the projected revenue need of $8,391,068 in the 2012-2013 OCS Budget.

·         Our parish sponsors and partners will provide 35.8% ($3,000,000) of the revenue need by way of Parish Subsidy.

·         Income from fundraisers (Bingo, World’s Finest Chocolate, Magazine Sales, and others), endowment earnings, and other means will provide 7.5% of the need.

The packet included a Student Aid Form from Private School Aid Service (PSAS) for those interested in applying for need-based tuition assistance.  We have set aside $910,000 in the budget to assist families who show need.  I highly encourage all who are interested to submit their Student Aid Form with the necessary documentation to PSAS prior to the first round deadline of February 15, 2012.  Our goal is to have aid award letters out prior to March 15, 2012.  Electronic versions of the Student Aid Form  and Tuition Information Sheet can be found on our website.  Please note:  By OCS policy, all aid to current families must be awarded by August 1, 2012.

I appreciate all you do to help us fulfill our mission of excellence in Catholic faith formation and academics.  As always, your comments and insights are important to me.  I can be reached via phone at 852-8028 and email at ken.rasp@owensborocatholic.org.

God’s Peace!

Ken R. Rasp