“Funding initiative” … what does that mean?

A funding initiative is typically designed to raise money for an array of needs. This funding initiative will retire a significant portion of debt, build endowment, and make needed capital improvements. Because of its debt-reduction component, the funding initiative will eliminate the need to increase tuition by an estimated $1,000 per student in academic year 2008-09 to fund debt reduction.

How will the new and renovated facilities enhance our educational programs?

Having improved facilities will allow Grand Rapids Christian Schools to update its K-12 health and fitness curriculum with new programs that will a) improve students’ understanding of the importance of fitness and b) give them the tools to better integrate health and wellness activities in their daily lives.

Will the cost of these new facilities affect the cost of tuition?

As with any new building, the new auxiliary gymnasium will have additional costs associated with its operation. A portion of these operational costs will be covered by a new operational endowment, reducing the burden on tuition. The Board of Trustees and the administrative staff are committed to keeping any resulting tuition increase to a minimum.

Why do we need an auxiliary gymnasium?

Today’s physical education and athletic requirements are much different from those of the past. Practice time in the gymnasium is at a premium. This creates scheduling conflicts between physical education classes and athletic team practices. Practices are forced into the evening hours, infringing on students’ study time. Ask any student athlete (or his/her parents) and you’ll learn that some practices last until 9 or 10 p.m. Our physical education teachers also attest that our facilities do not support students’ instructional needs as well as they could.

What role does the endowment play?

Making endowment growth part of the funding initiative does two important things:
• It helps cover the operational costs of the new auxiliary gymnasium.
• It makes more grant money available for need-based tuition assistance.

Will construction begin before the money is raised?

No. Grand Rapids Christian Schools is not in a position to incur more debt. Therefore, the Board of Trustees has stipulated that any new capital investment must be completely funded (through gifts or pledges) before construction can begin.