PITTSFIELD — The Annual Giving Fund at Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield has taken on new importance this year.
With reductions in state school subsidy and student population, the school faces a loss of $180,000 in funding for 1994-95.
The reduction is created by losses in state subsidy over the past three years that have forced other schools to reduce expenditures. The tuition rate paid to MCI by SAD 53, Burnham, Detroit and Pittsfield is determined by the state average per-student expenditure.
“We are restricted by law to what we can pay MCI,” said SAD 53 Superintendent Terry McCannell. “Their ability to generate other revenues through annual giving and other sources is ensuring the programs remain intact for our students.”
With other schools across the state spending less on education, the state average has been reduced. The tuition rate is based on 1-year-old figures for state average and for school population. In 1992-93, MCI’s SAD 53 student population was about 380. It dropped in 1993-94 to 360. Next year it will rise again to 375. However, in the coming year the school will be paid on the previous year’s population. On top of that, according to MCI Headmaster Doug Cummings, the tuition rate has dropped because of the decrease in the state average per-student expenditures. The changes translate to the potential loss of $180,000.
“We had two options,” Cummings said. “We could reduce what we provide or determine how we might generate more revenue.”
Cummings said the situation was a Catch-22. Reducing staff or programs could translate to further loss of revenue.
“People who select an independent school look at the number of programs, the student-teacher ratio. To cut anything, we’re cutting our own throat,” he said.
The alternative is to place more emphasis on the Annual Giving Fund, contributions from alumni and friends, that goes directly into the operational fund. Two years ago, the fund generated $88,000 and about $70,000 last year, he said. The current fund stands at $70,000 with a goal of reaching $100,000 by June 30.
“You can equate $100,000 to four teaching positions or our entire athletic-activities program,” he said. “I’m not suggesting we would eliminate either of those, but it helps people understand how the money is spent.”
Looking to generate more revenue, the school also is increasing its admissions work to attract more boarding students, particularly with foreign students. Next year, Cummings anticipates up to 100 boarding students and additional day-tuition students from the surrounding areas.
Grants and foundations are another potential source, while the development office is trying to cultivate additional donors.
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