TA – expense worksheet 2013-14
Tuition Adjustment Application and Process
2013-14
Choosing independent education for your child and family is a decision that requires much consideration, on both philosophical and financial levels. In an ideal world we would choose the educational system we want for our children based on its relative merits and not by financial ability to pay. But, since the current reality is such that alternative choices are not fully-funded by government, we, as an organization, must provide the additional funds needed to pay our teachers, provide a roof over our student’s heads and for classrooms resources.
While we endeavor to keep our fees as low as possible, it is impossible to not have these fees. And while most teachers in a Waldorf school recognize they chose this job because it is their passion than for high financial reward, the school community must take responsibility for providing a livable salary so that they can be free to serve our children.
Please note that this process is not intended to put up barriers for tuition adjustment, but to ensure that a fair and transparent process is in place so the school can be a healthy, financially responsible and fully accountable organization. If it is truly a financial hardship to your family to pay the full fees, then tuition adjustment will be granted confidentially and without judgment. We trust that every family will evaluate their financial situation honestly and provide the documentation required in a timely manner.
When applying for tuition adjustment for your family, please consider the following:
What can our family provide to ensure that the school is financially healthy and viable, ensuring that this education is available to my family in the future?
Are there any other funding sources that can be pursued? Is there a parent, grand-parent, or family relative who might be inspired to help with tuition or make a donation to the school?
What choices have we made to free-up our financial situation to allow us to contribute to the school?
Is our family’s need for tuition adjustment temporary? When our financial situation changes positively, can we provide more, or can we re-pay the difference?
Application Procedure and Timelines:
To apply for tuition adjustment, please:
Complete the application form
Compose a short letter, addressed to the Tuition Adjustment Committee, indicating:
- the details surrounding your application for tuition adjustment
- how much tuition adjustment you are asking for, or what you evaluate you are able to contribute, and
- if temporary, how long you anticipate you will need tuition adjustment.
Complete the attached financial worksheet (This can help you determine what level of tuition adjustment you may need.) Please do not put your name on the worksheet.
Attach a copy of your family’s 2012 Notice of Assessment tax information. (If your 2012 Notice of Assessment is not available, please include your 2011 copy.)
Drop off the package in a sealed envelope, marked confidential, to the school office by March 8th, 2013, care of Peggy Vogler, TA Chair.
Determining Fees:
An independent financial specialist will review the information (in confidence, all names and social insurance numbers will be removed by the TA chairperson) and make recommendations to the TA Chairperson.
The TA Chairperson will then contact the family on or before April 1st and let them know the level of tuition adjustment granted. If the level is higher than the cover letter indicated, the family, if they feel they want to, can provide additional information that the committee may not have considered.
The TA Chair will provide a report, in confidence, to the Whistler Waldorf School book-keeper for entry into the accounts.
The adjusted tuition is paid over 12 months with the first tuition payment due May 1st and the final payment April 1st of the following year.
School Supply Fees are not eligible for adjustment. A post dated cheque is due May 1st, payable August 1st.
Preschool Programs are not eligible for Tuition Adjustment.