The Commission on Parish Schools has developed a new supplemental funding plan to be implemented in July 2007. Enrollment-based contributions from WELS schools will generate much-needed funds to support the work of the commission. “This really is an opportunity for all of our schools to work together to ensure that the school system as a whole can continue to be strong,” says Jim Brandt, administrator for Parish Schools.

Although contributions are not mandatory, participating schools will receive discounts on subscription-based services and help the commission provide high-quality resources, training, and personal assistance to WELS schools across the country.

The need for supplemental funding began in 2003 when significant budget cuts affected every area of WELS ministry. Financial restrictions forced Parish Schools to reduce and even eliminate vital resources offered to WELS schools—schools that were already experiencing a decade-long decline in enrollment.

Despite a steep reduction in services, Parish Schools continued to exhaust its small budget. Remaining dollars were dedicated to national office operations, leaving no funds for ministry programs. If additional cutbacks occurred, Parish Schools’ ability to support the $100-million dollar school system would be compromised as the commission would be reduced to a personnel management and records repository office.

To find the best solution for these financial challenges, an extensive study was conducted in 2005. Parish Schools gathered input and ideas from pastors, principals, teachers, board members, and early childhood directors from every district of the synod. Throughout these sessions, one common theme emerged: the work of Parish Schools is critical for the health of WELS schools. Eventually, an enrollment-based contribution plan was proposed and presented to the district conventions in June 2006.

In the plan, the commission asks schools to increase student fees by $5 per student for two consecutive years. The increase will enable schools to contribute to Parish Schools, helping the commission restore vital resources and enhance services currently offered to schools. “It’s a new way of walking together,” says Brandt. “We are working with schools to determine how Parish Schools can best serve them. The funds from this program will provide the necessary resources to strengthen and extend the ministry of WELS schools into the future.”

Learn more about the supplemental funding plan at archive.wels.net/jump/ parishschools or contact Parish Schools at 414-256-3221.