Madonna and child This month Bishop Blase Cupich writes about “Mary, the one who knows our needs.” (Courtesy art)

Endowment
campaign launches

   Rapid City Catholic School System's (RCCSS) Endowment for Excellence in Education Campaign has been in the preliminary stages of development for the past year and it will be announced at an upcoming media event.

  The three main goals of the Endowment are:

• Recruiting and retaining dedicated faculty and staff through competitive salaries and benefits
• Ensuring that the RCCSS schools remain affordable for Catholic families and for others sharing Christian values by providing more scholarships and financial aid
• Updating, modernizing and expanding the facilities in a way that addresses the present and future needs of the school system

  Proceeds from the campaign will be divided 75 percent to the Permanent Endowment and 25 percent to a Capital Fund unless specified by the donor. A portion of the interest income from the Endowment will be used for faculty and staff salaries and benefits. Teacher and staff salaries are not competitive with those of local public schools. There is no retirement plan and insurance is not competitive. "The teachers and staff members deserve a just wage and benefits package," said Dave Hollenbeck, director of Development/Admissions.

  Interest income will also provide more families with financial aid. "We have many families who desire a Catholic education but are not in a financial situation to make that dream a reality," said Hollenbeck. Twenty percent of RCCSS students receive financial aid.

  "In a word, the campaign will be an opportunity to put our best foot forward," said Bishop Blase Cupich. "We will be calling on the entire community to match the level of sacrifice so many have made over the years through support and service to our schools."

  Currently, more than 100 people are employed by RCCSS and it educates over 700 students, preschool -- 12th grade. It provides an alternative learning source for local people and those that are moving into the area. Catholic Schools in South Dakota are saving the state $2.7 million in tax dollars per year.