FR. AUGUSTINE TOLTON REGIONAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Q & A

Q. WHERE DOES THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT STAND TODAY?
A. Construction is moving forward! Work began on the site shortly before the ground-breaking ceremony May 2010. The subterranean pilings are complete and footings for the gym will be poured the week of August 9. The gym will go up first as it will be the supporting structure for the classroom wing. The steel is on order and grading of the west parking lot is under way. We are underway!

Q. WHEN WILL THE HIGH SCHOOL OPEN?
A. The goal is to open the school in the fall of 2011.

Q. WHAT IS THE TOTAL COST TO BUILD THE FR. TOLTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL?
A. The estimate is $14 million. We have gifts and pledges totaling $10.3 million. Fundraising will continue during construction and the balance will be financed.

Q. HOW IS THE PROJECT BEING FUNDED?
A. Funding is coming from private donations.

Q. WHAT IS THIS NEWS ABOUT A $1 MILLION CHALLENGE GRANT?
A. An anonymous donor has promised the campaign another million when we raise $12 million in gifts and pledges. Your new gift now will count toward the $1.7 million we need to receive the challenge grant.

Q. WHAT IF I HAVE ALREADY MADE A PLEDGE TO THE HIGH SCHOOL?
A. If you made a pledge to the high school during one of the previous campaigns, please consider extending your pledge by two to three years.

Q. WHO WILL BE ASKED TO PARTICIPATE?
A. All registered households in the Columbia parishes will be asked to participate. Every household has the capacity to participate at some level. We will also be asking the Columbia business community and the eight parishes in outlying communities for their support.

Q. MUST I MAKE A PLEDGE?
A. One of the fundamental responsibilities of our Catholic faith is to support Catholic education and commit ourselves to the Church’s mission for the benefit of the whole community. While all gifts are welcome, one purpose of asking for a five year commitment is to give a sense of cash flow over the next five years. Pledges enable donors to maximize their investment, so we ask that you prayerfully consider what you can do in this regard. We are asking you to make a pledge toward this goal and pay the pledge over five years – either weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually.

Q. WILL I HAVE TO DISCUSS MY PLEDGE AMOUNT WITH A VOLUNTEER?
A. No. You will fill out your pledge card privately and then re-seal your card in the envelope.

Q. WHAT’S INVOLVED IN MAKING A PLEDGE?
A. Your packet contains a pledge card. Simply enter the total amount pledged over a five-year period and how it will be paid. A 10% payment with your pledge is suggested but not necessary. Completed pledge cards can be mailed to the office at: Fr. Tolton Catholic High School, 903 Bernadette Drive, Columbia, MO 65203 or dropped in a collection basket with the envelope clearly marked, “Fr. Tolton Catholic High School.”

Q. WHAT IF I CANNOT FULFILL MY PLEDGE AT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE?
A. Your pledge is a prayerful statement of your intent; it is not a binding legal agreement. We understand that peoples’ financial situations can and do change. If circumstances dictate, your pledge can be adjusted.

Q. WILL ALL THE MONEY BE USED FOR THE NEW BUILDING?
A. Yes. The monies raised will be specifically dedicated to the project, including the actual building and associated fees. The funds will not be used for any other purpose.

Q. SHOULD I GIVE LESS TO MY WEEKLY CONTRIBUTION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CAMPAIGN?
A. No. The success of the high school capital campaign hinges on your being faithful to your weekly commitment of parish support first. Our campaign invites you to make a five-year pledge over and above your present parish weekly giving. We ask you to consider the suggested giving guidelines in the campaign material.

Q. WHAT CONSTITUTES A GIFT?
A. A gift may be any negotiable asset of realistic market value. Stocks, commodities, insurance, real estate, land, crops, or bonds are alternatives to cash. If you have any questions about making a non-cash gift, make a note on your pledge card and return it. You will be contacted with more details on how to make this arrangement work for you.

Q. ARE THERE MEMORIALS AND NAMING OPPORTUNITIES?
A. Yes. We welcome these gifts and will work with you to make sure the appropriate recognition is given. Please call the high school office (573-445-7700) to speak to the development director for more details and a list of naming opportunities.

Q. IS MY GIFT TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
A. Yes, all contributions to the building project are deductible in accordance with Federal and Missouri law. As always, please consult with your financial advisor for questions on how your giving affects your personal financial situation.

Q. WHEN AND HOW WILL PLEDGES BE PAID?
A. You choose how you want to pay your pledge. It may be paid annually, semi-annually, quarterly, monthly, or in any other way you desire. Pledges can also be paid using EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) directly from your bank account.

Q. WHO WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND FR. TOLTON REGIONAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL?
A. Fr. Augustine Tolton Regional Catholic High School will be open to all who want to attend a faith-based, small school environment.

Q. HOW WILL TUITION BE DETERMINED?
A. Fr. Augustine Tolton Regional Catholic High School will be a tuition-based high school. Current projections based on a financial model for a $14M project fully funded through pledges indicate that tuition costs will be between $5,000 – $6,000 per school year. Fundraising and in-kind construction donations may affect the proposed tuition. Non-Catholic student tuition will be higher based on actual operational costs. An endowment for grants and scholarships for those needing financial assistance will be developed.

Contact the high school office at 573-445-7700 if you have other questions or would like to receive more information.

Updated on August 9, 2010