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| Justification by faith is "misleading" according to the great and wise in Missouri and WELS. |
Issues in Lutheran Education | A Professional Conversation For Lutheran Leaders:
Is the funding model of WELS Lutheran elementary schools sustainable?
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Sustaining and advancing the Christ-centered mission of WELS schools is a critical issue…perhaps today more than ever, regardless of the level – elementary, high school, or college. The recent recession, rising health care costs, struggling church finances, and a host of other economic realities impact our ability to fund what we hold so dear – a CHRISTian education. There are no easy answers, but engaging in dialogue is critical. Certainly this 700-word blog won’t do it justice.
A few years ago I had the opportunity to study the funding model of WELS elementary schools as compared to other Christian elementary school systems – Catholic, LCMS, and Association of Christian Schools International. While the other school systems had a tuition-driven model, the typical WELS funding model and philosophy goes something like this:
- The church and school are viewed as one ministry. Therefore, our accounting and cost structure reflects this understanding.
- The lowest possible tuition is the most compassionate and ministry-minded approach because more lower-income families will be served.
- The church subsidizes school costs that tuition/fees do not cover.
Did this approach work? I believe it was a very effective funding model for Lutheran elementary schools for a good share of the 20th century. Is it working today? If your school’s funding model is sustainable – excellent . . . and you can stop reading.
However, if you are struggling to adequately fund your Lutheran elementary school, I would ask that you consider the following:
If it costs $4500 per student to run your school and you charge $1500 per student, then:
- The church is subsidizing $3000 per student regardless of family income, family need, etc.
- Subsequently, those families in greatest need are not getting as much financial aid as they could, because we are subsidizing all families equally, including those families with financial means. What is intended to be a compassionate and ministry-minded approach in reality can hurt the ones we want to help the most.
- Since the church is subsidizing tuition regardless of need, then:
- The church oftentimes struggles financially and is not able to carry out other ministry due to financial restraints.
- The school struggles financially because the church endures tough financial times. Subsequently, the school is challenged to deliver excellence in Christian education.
- Since the church is subsidizing tuition regardless of need, then:
Our current approach hopes school families make up the difference in the offering plate. Is this happening?
Some families “join” the church for cheaper tuition. Is this proper motivation for active and thriving church membership?
Perhaps we have created generations of Lutherans with an entitlement mentality – church membership equals greatly reduced tuition.
In addition, as schools desire to reach out into the community, oftentimes interested parents will not consider our schools because tuition is so low. They don’t believe their child will receive an excellent education with such a low tuition. (I’ve experienced this phenomenon.)
So, what are we to do? School leaders could consider the following:
- Know the true cost of education per student and communicate this clearly with parents.
- Consider a model that includes parents taking more of a responsibility in bearing the true cost of Christian education while still having complete unity of church and school in mission. (Admittedly, this is a tough financial time to introduce the practice, although it is commonplace in other Christian school systems.)
- Provide a robust scholarship program within the church to help those in greatest need.
- Continue to celebrate the value of a CHRISTian education.
Most parents today expect our Lutheran schools to be highly effective. Research-based features of effective schools are a topic for another time. However, in order for WELS elementary schools to deliver academic excellence and provide an outstanding student experience, the funding model must support parents’ growing expectations. Greater reliance on tuition income is one consideration, in addition to focusing on recruitment and retention, looking at alternative sources of income, considering the feasibility of combining several close WELS schools for enhanced efficiency (in light of changing demographics), etc.
Honestly, I wish we could turn back the clock and enjoy a fully church-supported education system. However, I fear that most churches with schools are struggling mightily, and economic realities are creating a new normal. In order for us to preserve (by God’s guidance and his doing) the legacy of WELS Lutheran elementary schools, I believe we need to think differently in terms of sustainability. I’ve just scratched the surface. May God bless our efforts during these very challenging and promising times.
Written by Dr. Daniel Johnson.
Dr. Johnson is the president of Wisconsin Lutheran College. He has also served as as a principal in WELS elementary and area Lutheran high schools.
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GJ - Add to this, the diaper changing academies (day care, aka Poo U.) compete against others with a lower price, but must pay lots of salaries to the insiders for state-mandated staffing.
