Dear ACS Families,
As you may know we are losing 6 teachers this next year. A couple of them are leaving because what they earn at ACS is just not enough to take care of the needs of their families.
The average pay of a teacher is $7.00/hr for the time that they are teaching their classes. They are not paid for the time they are in their classrooms prepping for the day; they are not paid for staying after school an extra two hours every other week for teacher meetings; they are not paid for phone time with parents or students; they are not paid for time they spend helping their students outside of class; and they are not paid for the time outside of school that they work on their classes. On an average it takes about 3 hrs of studying, writing tests, correcting homework, and calculating grades for every hour spent in the classroom.
At the last Board meeting concerned teachers and parents discussed with the board their desire to see teacher salaries increased. It has always been the intent of the School board that Applewood be affordable for every family seeking Christian education for their children. The board is working on the budget for next year. Even with cutting other areas down to the barest of necessities, it looks like we will need to be cut two teacher slots. Not only do we not have the ability to increase teacher salaries but the work load for present teachers will go up due to the need to combine classes. The board has considered fund raising, the limitations of raising tuition, scholarships, and sponsoring.
What to do? Knowing that this is a question with no easy answers, the Board felt they needed to seek God’s face as a corporate group. Jesus Christ is the head of Applewood Christian School and we desire to follow His will.
“Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always.”
Psalm 105:3 – 4
All parents are asked to join with the Board and the Staff for a night of prayer on Monday, May 7 at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary. Please bring your high school students, alumni, grandparents, and invite friends from your churches who are prayer warriors to earnestly help us as we seek God’s face to decide where ACS needs to go from here. As Christians we know how powerful prayer is …
“For where two or three come together in my name,
there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20
. . . Please join us!
Announcements:
Mid terms come out Friday.
Friday is the last day for seniors. They will be getting out at lunch for parents who would like to see us send them off.