2013 town hall meeting building community. welcome and invocation jeff farrell, chairman, hill...
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2013 TOWN HALL MEETING
Building Community
Welcome and
Invocation
Jeff Farrell, Chairman, Hill Country Board of
Trustees
2013-2014 Board of Trustees
John Brooks, Finance Committee ChairMark Dietz, Finance CommitteeJeff Farrell, Board ChairmanEric Howard, Education Committee ChairBrenda Lychner, Marketing Committee ChairJames McSpadden, Development Committee ChairDarcy Myers, Marketing Committee and SecretaryTrae Vacek, Development Committee Todd Janssen, Non-Voting Member, HCBC Elder Board Representative Bill McGee, Non-Voting Member, Head of School
Mission StatementThe mission of Hill Country Christian School of Austin is to provide a Christ-centered, Classical, college-preparatory education that inspires students to become life-long learners and effective communicators who impact the world with the life-changing reality of Jesus Christ.
Vision StatementHill Country Christian School will be the benchmark of excellence in Christ-centered education.
Core Values
We value and affirm:
• The importance of relationships at all levels.
• Grace over legalism.• Striving for excellence in all
things.• Equipping and encouraging
future world-changers to find their God-given calling.
• A balance between spiritual inspiration and development and academic growth.
2012 Strategic Plan6 Key Result Areas
1. Finance and Resource Development2. Curriculum and Programs3. Spiritual and Character
Development4. Faculty and Staff Development5. Marketing and Communications6. Growth and Facilities
State of the School
Bill McGee, Head Master
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMEN
TS IN 2012
ACADEMIC
• Hired capable and experienced principal of Upper School.
• Established a distinct School of Logic that encompasses grades 6-8.
• Expanded elective offerings, including Robotics, Forensic Science, and WEB Savvy
• Expanded and improved the fine arts offerings, including dramatic growth in theatre arts, culminating in a State Runner-Up finish for One Act Play team.
• Conducted needs assessment to identify how school can better meet the differentiated needs of its students.
ACADEMIC- TECHNOLOGY
• Began updating the Technology Strategic Plan.
• Installed projectors, document cameras, and/or flat screen TV monitors in every classroom.
• Completed 1:1 pilot program for iPads in 9th grade.
• Implemented 1:1 pilot program for MacBooks in grades 11-12.
SPIRITUAL & CHARACTER
DEVELOPMENT
• Hired Executive Director of Christian Life to oversee programs that cultivate the spiritual and character development of students.
• Expanded the “Great Day of Service” into a “Great Week of Service.”
• Researched and currently vetting new Bible curriculum for grades 1-6.
FACULTY & STAFF DEVELOPMENT
• Appointed task force to review
and improve the current faculty evaluation system.
• Increased budget allotment for professional development of teachers.
• Designed and will soon launch an annual faculty survey to obtain feedback on policies, programs, morale, and teaching environment.
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
• Implemented new Student Information System, Veracross.
• Researched and will soon launch new parent and student surveys.
GROWTH & FACILITIES
• Increased enrollment by 11% (20% growth over two years).
• Completed feasibility study for a future capital campaign.
• Refreshed computer lab with new computers and furniture.
• Purchased new computers for library.
• Installed new playground equipment at recreation field.
• Installed new scoreboard at Hatch field.
• Implementing new phone system.• Purchased new bus.
FINANCE & RESOURCE
DEVELOPMENT • Generated surplus in
operating budget for third consecutive year.
• Accelerated payment of debt.• Invested surplus in much
needed capital expenditures.
Education Committee
Report
Eric Howard, PhD
Education Committee Chair
2012-2013 Strategic Focus Areas
• Hire a Director of Christian Life to oversee spiritual development
• Develop a "Core Christian Curriculum" for consistent Christian Worldview training
• Begin process of developing a quality fine arts program
• Increase school's ability to meet different learning styles of mission appropriate students
• Improve methods for faculty evaluation
Marketing Committee
Report
Brenda Lychner Marketing Committee
Chair
2012 Marketing Efforts• Continued efforts to implement
consistent branding oExpanded school storeoBus wrap
• Continued web-based advertising through Google Ads
• Targeted print advertising in various local publications
• Participation in marketing events- MOPS groups, local school fair, HCBC community events, etc.
Website Traffic
Total Visitors
2010: 2,148* 2011: 60,8542012: 96,558
Unique Visitors
2010: 1,234*2011: 26,7842012: 35,115
38% of website traffic from new visitors
* 2010 data collected since launch of new site in Fall 2010
Measuring Success
Approx. 10% increase in enrollment year over year over past two years
2011 Enrollment 2012 Enrollment 2013 Enrollment
471 511 565
Projected enrollment for 2013-2014: 605
2013 Marketing Committee
Strategic Plan Initiatives• Parent, Staff, and Upper School Student
Surveyso Contracted with ISM to administer standardized,
anonymous surveyso Data comparison to other private schoolso First time we have surveyed our staff and studentso Will be administered 3rd quarter
• Internal Marketing Initiativeso Classical education “elevator speech”o Continued enhancements to website and print
materials
Finance Committee
Report
John Brooks, CPAFinance Committee
Chair
FY12 – FY13 Financial Summary
FY12 Highlights• Final enrollment and net giving
exceeded budget.
• Funded all FY12 initiatives and generated capital surplus to accelerate debt repayment.
FY13 Highlights• 12% YoY enrollment growth
• Increased salaries and benefits to attract/retain top talent and keep pace with rising heath care costs
• Hired Upper School Principal and Christian Life Director
• Installed new SIS (Veracross)
• Planned reliance on community giving of 4.5%
Other Initiative Spending & FY14 Preview
FY12-FY13
• Curriculum enhancements (Math in Focus, refresh textbooks, etc.)• Capital improvements in portables and technology• Measured investments in Development to meet strategic growth plans• New athletic field and expanded athletic programs• Capital surplus used to accelerate debt repayment. On pace to retire remaining
debt by the end of 2013, one year ahead of schedule.
FY14 Preview (Preliminary)
• Incremental teaching and admin staff to keep pace with enrollment growth• Add Director of Development and Curriculum/Instruction Specialist• Increase salaries and benefits to attract/retain top talent• Increase benefit credits to comply with AHCA requirements (a.k.a. Obamacare)• Update and refresh selected curriculum• Capital improvements in portables and computers/technology• Eliminate athletic participation fees per community feedback
Hill Country Christian Financial Planning Tenets/Constraints
Full Cost Tuition – Net tuition = 100% of operating expenses• Financial Aid no more than 10% of gross tuition revenue• Undesignated giving no more than 5% of operating expenses• Ensures sufficient tuition revenue to cover operating expenses• Maintains a clear connection between tuition rates and services delivered• Creates a “healthy” tension between tuition increases and operating expense trends• Provides for more predictable annual tuition increases
Debt Covenant – Certified budget must deliver $100k in free cash flow• Until FY10 debt is retired, $100K in principal due annually• Ensures sufficient cash flow to meet both operating expenses and debt obligations
Capital Expenditures• “Normal” capex (e.g. facilities, IT, etc.) funded from operating cash flow• Initiatives and strategic investments funded from designated giving
Spending Priorities – aligned with process school mission & 3 “C’s”• Faculty, staff & curriculum• Programs and facilities• Spiritual growth• Marketing & advancement
Development Committee
Report
Trae Vacek Development Committee
Development Committee
Organizational Chart
Development Restructuring
Annual Fund Restructure• People: Treasure a Teacher,
Benevolence • Programs: Technology, Fine Arts, and
Athletics Enhancements• Physical Assets: Athletic Field, Capital
Improvements
*PTF is no longer a fundraising arm. Athletics Booster Club is a fundraising arm.
Annual Fund Update
Carmen HamiltonExecutive Director of
Advancement
Every GIFT,
Every FAMILY,
Every YEAR,
Makes an IMPACT!
Annual Fund Update
Our Parent Participation
2012-2013: 2011-2012: 2010-2011: 2009-2010: 2008-1009:
NAIS National Average for Parent Participation: 67%
We have reached 63% of
our goal.
41%49.5%48%68%39%
Parent Participation by
Grade Level
2011-2012 Annual Fund Allocation
*An additional $121,763 of designated gifts was received outside of the Annual Fund.
Development By the Numbers
• 157 households, of our 383, have given to this year’s Annual Fund
• 101 households have given more than they gave last year
• 49 households are first-time donors• 30 families have used our new, online
giving option• 100% of Board of Trustees has
participated• 100% of PTF Board has participated• 100% of Development Committee has
participated
Restricted vs. Unrestricted Gifts
2012-2013 Annual Fund
Unrestricted: $133,190
Restricted: $55,500
Parent-Teacher
Fellowship (PTF)ReportCarol Smith
PTF President
PTF: Serving…to the Glory of God!
The mission of the PTF is to develop a positive and welcoming climate for all parents while assisting the administration in meeting its current needs through:
• Advancing the mission & vision of the school.
• Facilitating communication parents & staff.
• Supporting the staff & administration to do their work effectively.
• Serving & loving our staff & administration as they carry out their work & promote their personal welfare.
• Promoting academic, spiritual, & social development for our student body that increases re-enrollment.
• Enhancing parental participation.
PTF in Action: Building Community
Fall• Knights Unite–Back to School Event• Healthy Knights Wellness
Challenge/5K• Booster Club–Tailgates/Homecoming
Carnival• Monthly Teacher Appreciation
Events
Spring• Texas Stars Hockey Game–Saturday,
February 16th • Golf Tournament–Monday, March 4th
• Reunion Ranch All-School Family Event– Sunday, March 24th
• Yearly Auction Moved to Fall
2012-2013 PTF BoardPresident
Carol Smith
VPCarla Robertson
TreasurerDarla Tyler
SecretaryLori Dise
CommunicationsLisa Maher
Spirit ChairTBD
HeadmasterBill McGee
Staff Liaison/Advancement &Operations
Carmen Hamilton
Office LiaisonJennifer Neumann
Director ofCommunicationsSuzanne Farrell
Church LiaisonHope Fritschle
FellowshipEvents Chair
TBD
Volunteer ChairStacy Kelly
Homeroom Moms Chair
Candice Stephens
High SchoolChair
Suzy Phillips
Academic BCChair
Victoria Policke
Staff Appreciation Chair
Stancey Curry
Lower SchoolEvents ChairJanet Snapp
CommunityBuilders Chair
MeredithMcSpadden
Executive Board
Committee Chairman
Project Lead
Ex-Officio member – school staffUnofficial key contributor
Ex-Officio church member
Middle SchoolChair
Angi Horton
Alumni ChairMargie Thurman
Healthy KnightsChair
Melanie Lloyd/Leah Smith
Get Plugged In!
Next PTF Meeting
Tuesday, Feb. 126:30 p.m. in 3.312
Q & A
Preparing for College. Preparing for Life.