From the Desk of Colleen McManamon

OUR STRONG MPB COMMUNITY

MPB's vibrant learning environment in the midst of a life-giving Christian community is building on the strong foundation of our almost half-century of tradition. Our school continues to grow in numbers as we have opened and filled a new kindergarten, a new first grade class and a new fifth grade class in just 3 years. As more and more families have joined MPB, our community has been enriched because of the increased talent, the positive energy and the growing number of projects and opportunities that result from more families engaging in our mission.

MPB's financial profile has improved along with the growth in our programs and enrollment. As you well know, most of the over $5,000 per pupil cost to educate a child comes from tuition (74%). The remaining percentage comes from two main sources- fundraising and Catholic parishes subsidizing the education of Catholic children in Catholic schools. In the last three years the growing number of school families has raised the earnings from the fundraisers and MPB's parish commitment to the school has increased as well. All three of these factors-growing enrollment, better parish support of the school and increasing fundraising along with careful budgeting contribute to MPB NOT having to raise tuition for the 2008-2009 school year!

MPB is unique! While the economy is weakening, ours is strengthening. While enrollments are shrinking, our enrollment is expanding. While churches and other institutions are looked upon cynically, MPB's parish and school are becoming known as the places where positive energy and community abound! We are SO blessed! Finally, that Gospel line of Jesus where He says, "For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich," makes sense.(Matt:25) We've got a strong community that is growing stronger all the time. Congratulations…. and thank you for being a part of what makes MPB strong!

Ordinary budgets typically mean that tuition or costs rise each year, but extraordinary times require extraordinary responses. This economy is such that while we can, we choose to help our families by not raising tuition unless and until it is necessary. The wonderful good news is by being a part of MPB school you've chosen to invest in your child's future in a place where the pastor and the parish have faith in our school mission, the skill and professionalism of the staff give us every reason to hope in the future, and best of all, your child and family is surrounded by a loving, life-giving Catholic community.