2013 TOWN HALL MEETING Building Community

1. 2013 TOWN HALL MEETING Building Community

2. Welcome and Invocation Jeff Farrell, Chairman, Hill Country Board of Trustees

3. 2013-2014 Board of Trustees John Brooks, Finance Committee Chair Mark Dietz, Finance Committee Jeff Farrell, Board Chairman Eric Howard, Education Committee Chair Brenda Lychner, Marketing Committee Chair James McSpadden, Development Committee Chair Darcy Myers, Marketing Committee and Secretary TraeVacek, Development Committee Todd Janssen, Non-Voting Member, HCBC Elder Board Representative Bill McGee, Non-Voting Member, Head of School

4. Mission Statement The mission of Hill Country Christian School of Austin is to provide a Christ-centered, Classical, college-preparatory education that inspires students to become life-long learners and effective communicators who impact the world with the life-changing reality of Jesus Christ. Vision Statement Hill Country Christian School will be the benchmark of excellence in Christ-centered education.

5. Core Values • We value and affirm: • The importance of relationships at all levels. • Grace over legalism. • Striving for excellence in all things. • Equipping and encouraging future world-changers to find their God-given calling. • A balance between spiritual inspiration and development and academic growth.

6. 2012 Strategic Plan 6 Key Result Areas Finance and Resource Development Curriculum and Programs Spiritual and Character Development Faculty and Staff Development Marketing and Communications Growth and Facilities

7. State of the School Bill McGee, Head Master

8. MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2012

9. ACADEMIC • Hired capable and experienced principal of Upper School. • Established a distinct School of Logic that encompasses grades 6-8. • Expanded elective offerings, including Robotics, Forensic Science, and WEB Savvy • Expanded and improved the fine arts offerings, including dramatic growth in theatre arts, culminating in a State Runner-Up finish for One Act Play team. • Conducted needs assessment to identify how school can better meet the differentiated needs of its students.

10. ACADEMIC- TECHNOLOGY • Began updating the Technology Strategic Plan. • Installed projectors, document cameras, and/or flat screen TV monitors in every classroom. • Completed 1:1 pilot program for iPads in 9th grade. • Implemented 1:1 pilot program for MacBooks in grades 11-12.

11. SPIRITUAL & CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT • Hired Executive Director of Christian Life to oversee programs that cultivate the spiritual and character development of students. • Expanded the “Great Day of Service” into a “Great Week of Service.” • Researched and currently vetting new Bible curriculum for grades 1-6.

12. FACULTY & STAFF DEVELOPMENT • Appointed task force to review and improve the current faculty evaluation system. • Increased budget allotment for professional development of teachers. • Designed and will soon launch an annual faculty survey to obtain feedback on policies, programs, morale, and teaching environment.

13. MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS • Implemented new Student Information System, Veracross. • Researched and will soon launch new parent and student surveys.

14. GROWTH & FACILITIES • Increased enrollment by 11% (20% growth over two years). • Completed feasibility study for a future capital campaign. • Refreshed computer lab with new computers and furniture. • Purchased new computers for library. • Installed new playground equipment at recreation field. • Installed new scoreboard at Hatch field. • Implementing new phone system. • Purchased new bus.

15. FINANCE & RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT • Generated surplus in operating budget for third consecutive year. • Accelerated payment of debt. • Invested surplus in much needed capital expenditures.

16. Education Committee Report Eric Howard, PhD Education Committee Chair

17. 2012-2013 Strategic Focus Areas • Hire a Director of Christian Life to oversee spiritual development • Develop a "Core Christian Curriculum" for consistent Christian Worldview training • Begin process of developing a quality fine arts program • Increase school's ability to meet different learning styles of mission appropriate students • Improve methods for faculty evaluation

18. Marketing Committee Report Brenda Lychner Marketing Committee Chair

19. 2012 Marketing Efforts • Continued efforts to implement consistent branding • Expanded school store • Bus wrap • Continued web-based advertising through Google Ads • Targeted print advertising in various local publications • Participation in marketing events- MOPS groups, local school fair, HCBC community events, etc.

20. Website Traffic Total Visitors Unique Visitors 2010: 1,234* 2011: 26,784 2012: 35,115 2010: 2,148* 2011: 60,854 2012: 96,558 • 38% of website traffic from new visitors • * 2010 data collected since launch of new site in Fall 2010

21. Measuring Success Approx. 10% increase in enrollment year over year over past two years 2011 Enrollment2012 Enrollment 2013 Enrollment 471 511 565 Projected enrollment for 2013-2014: 605

22. 2013 Marketing CommitteeStrategic Plan Initiatives • Parent, Staff, and Upper School Student Surveys • Contracted with ISM to administer standardized, anonymous surveys • Data comparison to other private schools • First time we have surveyed our staff and students • Will be administered 3rd quarter • Internal Marketing Initiatives • Classical education “elevator speech” • Continued enhancements to website and print materials

23. Finance Committee Report John Brooks, CPA Finance Committee Chair

24. FY12 – FY13 Financial Summary • FY12 Highlights • Final enrollment and net giving exceeded budget. • Funded all FY12 initiatives and generated capital surplus to accelerate debt repayment. • FY13 Highlights • 12% YoY enrollment growth • Increased salaries and benefits to attract/retain top talent and keep pace with rising heath care costs • Hired Upper School Principal and Christian Life Director • Installed new SIS (Veracross) • Planned reliance on community giving of 4.5%

25. Other Initiative Spending & FY14 Preview • FY12-FY13 • Curriculum enhancements (Math in Focus, refresh textbooks, etc.) • Capital improvements in portables and technology • Measured investments in Development to meet strategic growth plans • New athletic field and expanded athletic programs • Capital surplus used to accelerate debt repayment. On pace to retire remaining debt by the end of 2013, one year ahead of schedule. • FY14 Preview (Preliminary) • Incremental teaching and admin staff to keep pace with enrollment growth • Add Director of Development and Curriculum/Instruction Specialist • Increase salaries and benefits to attract/retain top talent • Increase benefit credits to comply with AHCA requirements (a.k.a. Obamacare) • Update and refresh selected curriculum • Capital improvements in portables and computers/technology • Eliminate athletic participation fees per community feedback

26. Hill Country Christian Financial Planning Tenets/Constraints • Full Cost Tuition – Net tuition = 100% of operating expenses • Financial Aid no more than 10% of gross tuition revenue • Undesignated giving no more than 5% of operating expenses • Ensures sufficient tuition revenue to cover operating expenses • Maintains a clear connection between tuition rates and services delivered • Creates a “healthy” tension between tuition increases and operating expense trends • Provides for more predictable annual tuition increases • Debt Covenant – Certified budget must deliver $100k in free cash flow • Until FY10 debt is retired, $100K in principal due annually • Ensures sufficient cash flow to meet both operating expenses and debt obligations • Capital Expenditures • “Normal” capex (e.g. facilities, IT, etc.) funded from operating cash flow • Initiatives and strategic investments funded from designated giving • Spending Priorities – aligned with process school mission & 3 “C’s” • Faculty, staff & curriculum • Programs and facilities • Spiritual growth • Marketing & advancement

27. Development Committee Report TraeVacek Development Committee

28. Development Committee Organizational Chart

29. Development Restructuring • Annual Fund Restructure • People: Treasure a Teacher, Benevolence • Programs: Technology, Fine Arts, and Athletics Enhancements • Physical Assets: Athletic Field, Capital Improvements • *PTF is no longer a fundraising arm. Athletics Booster Club is a fundraising arm.

30. Annual Fund Update Carmen Hamilton Executive Director of Advancement

31. Every GIFT, Every FAMILY, Every YEAR, Makes an IMPACT!

32. Annual Fund Update • Our Parent Participation • 2012-2013: • 2011-2012: • 2010-2011: • 2009-2010: • 2008-1009: We have reached 63% of our goal. 41% 49.5% 48% 68% 39% NAIS National Average for Parent Participation: 67%

33. Parent Participation by Grade Level

34. 2011-2012 Annual Fund Allocation *An additional $121,763 of designated gifts was received outside of the Annual Fund.

35. Development By the Numbers • 157 households, of our 383, have given to this year’s Annual Fund • 101 households have given more than they gave last year • 49 households are first-time donors • 30 families have used our new, online giving option • 100% of Board of Trustees has participated • 100% of PTF Board has participated • 100% of Development Committee has participated

36. Restricted vs. Unrestricted Gifts 2012-2013 Annual Fund Unrestricted: $133,190 Restricted: $55,500

37. Parent-Teacher Fellowship (PTF)Report Carol Smith PTF President

38. PTF: Serving…to the Glory of God! • The mission of the PTF is to develop a positive and welcoming climate for all parents while assisting the administration in meeting its current needs through: • Advancing the mission & vision of the school. • Facilitating communication parents & staff. • Supporting the staff & administration to do their work effectively. • Serving & loving our staff & administration as they carry out their work & promote their personal welfare. • Promoting academic, spiritual, & social development for our student body that increases re-enrollment. • Enhancing parental participation.

39. PTF in Action: Building Community • Fall • Knights Unite–Back to School Event • Healthy Knights Wellness Challenge/5K • Booster Club–Tailgates/Homecoming Carnival • Monthly Teacher Appreciation Events • Spring • Texas Stars Hockey Game–Saturday, February 16th • Golf Tournament–Monday, March 4th • Reunion Ranch All-School Family Event– • Sunday, March 24th • Yearly Auction Moved to Fall

40. President Carol Smith VP Carla Robertson Treasurer Darla Tyler Secretary Lori Dise Communications Lisa Maher Spirit Chair TBD 2012-2013 PTF Board Headmaster Bill McGee Staff Liaison/ Advancement & Operations Carmen Hamilton Director of Communications Suzanne Farrell High School Chair Suzy Phillips Office Liaison Jennifer Neumann Middle School Chair Angi Horton Fellowship Events Chair TBD Church Liaison Hope Fritschle Homeroom Moms Chair Candice Stephens Academic BC Chair Victoria Policke Executive Board Committee Chairman Project Lead Ex-Officio member – school staff Unofficial key contributor Ex-Officio church member Lower School Events Chair Janet Snapp Staff Appreciation Chair Stancey Curry Community BuildersChair Meredith McSpadden Volunteer Chair Stacy Kelly Healthy Knights Chair Melanie Lloyd/ Leah Smith Alumni Chair Margie Thurman

41. Get Plugged In! Next PTF Meeting Tuesday, Feb. 12 6:30 p.m. in 3.312

42. Q & A

43. Preparing for College. Preparing for Life.