2024 Grant Application: Fundraising & Enrollment Manager Position for MVSU

Fundraising & Enrollment Manager Position for MVSU

We are seeking funding to continue to build upon the successful fundraising efforts of the Mountain Views Supervisory Union (MVSU). Dollars raised from private sources will significantly offset costs associated with the new Woodstock Union Middle and High School. Since the capital campaign commenced in the spring of ’22, we have secured over $3.5 million in pledges for the new HSMS. The requested grant will partially fund a newly proposed fulltime “Fundraising & Enrollment Manager” position. This position will be critical to ensure that private philanthropic dollars continue to be raised for the capital campaign for the new HSMS and to supplement and enhance the district’s programmatic needs now and in the future. Newly added to the role will be the development and deployment of an enrollment management function to attract students primarily from school choice towns to our Middle and High School.

$120,000

$35,000

Mountain Views Supervisory Union

70 Amsden Way Woodstock, VT 05091

Marlena McNamee

marlena.mcnamee@mtnviews.org

518-275-1558

https://mtnviews.org/

03-0216590

Mountain Views Supervisory Union MVSU (formerly Windsor Central Supervisory Union) was formed in 2018 to unite Woodstock's high school/middle school with five elementary schools in Barnard, Killington, Pomfret, Reading, and Woodstock. Through unity, we achieve economies of scale, efficiency, and synergy that benefit roughly 1,000 students–more than 30% whom are from Woodstock–along and 14,000 residents in 20 rural Vermont towns. By sharing resources, we help to keep community tax rates low while providing a high-quality, well-rounded education to all students. Like many schools nationwide, MVSU has incorporated its mission into our unique "Portrait of a Graduate," which describes in detail the goals that guide us: to help every student achieve academic excellence; to teach critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills; to encourage students' self-direction; and to shape future citizens who effectively steward their communities.

MVSU’s total organizational budget is proposed a

On March 5, voters in the Mountain Views Supervisory Union will have the opportunity to approve the construction of a new Woodstock Union Middle and High School. The proposed new building-which will cost $99 million-will be financed via bond with repayments commencing the summer of 2027 (pending a successful bond vote in March). To control costs, the school board has implemented a tax impact reduction strategy which includes a 16% cap on the bond’s impact in addition to investments in fundraising and enrollment management. With $3.5 million raised to date, the district has over three years before bond payments begin to continue fundraising and to recruit additional students to the new school. These measures will continue to significantly lower the tax impact. Currently, MVSU’s Fundraising Manager is a part-time, 20 hrs a week position. We are grateful to the EDC for funding 75% of this position in 2023. We would like to transition this position from part time to full time and include enrollment management into the current job description. Of note-it is unknown if this position would be (1) FTE or (2) .5 FTE’s. Every dollar raised through fundraising (or other funding sources such as enrollment) reduces the tax burden on our community. The goal over time is to continue to grow the district’s fundraising capacity, so that we can not only mitigate tax impacts of a new school building but also continue to fund high-quality programming that attracts families to our communities and increases enrollment. Each student enrolled in the district reduces the annual amount required to be raised from taxpayers by about $20,000. For more information on the new Woodstock Union HSMS, please visit: https://mtnviews.org/breaking-new-ground Primary Duties - Fundraising Manager -Manage the new HSMS capital campaign and donor prospects. -Serve as the liaison between the district’s fundraising work group, donors, District Finance Manager, and Finance Committee. -Work with vendors and volunteers to produce a case for support, website, and other collateral materials. -Ensure proper procedures are followed, including the receipting and acknowledgment of gifts and gift agreements. -Aid Fundraising Workgroup leadership in planning and implementing a strategy for private, federal/state and public funding. -Execute regional and national private foundation research; create and submit proposals and secure funding. -Develop and launch an annual giving program. Primary Duties - Enrollment Manager -Develop and execute strategic plans to attract and enroll a diverse student population, considering regional demographics and educational goals. -Collaborate with local communities and community organizations to promote the school and increase -awareness about enrollment opportunities. -Effectively communicate with prospective students and their families, providing information about the school's academic and extracurricular programs. -Work closely with school administrators, teachers, and support staff to facilitate a smooth transition for enrolled students and promote a positive school culture. -Plan and execute admissions events, open houses, and tours to showcase the school's offerings and facilities.

We would like to transition this position to full time at the start of the district’s new fiscal year on July 1, 2024. Here are some major milestones: • Raise an additional $1 million for the HSMS capital campaign by December 2024. • Develop a comprehensive enrollment management plan by October 1, 2024. • Launch enrollment management program by October 15, 2024 and commence recruitment efforts.

Success will come in two forms–an increase in funding for the new school (and the district) via private donations and incremental increases in HSMS enrollment.

Confirmed

none

The district Superintendent Sherry Sousa is a tireless advocate of the new school along with her leadership team and the MVSU School Board.

Community support for a new middle and high school is strong. Further, the community is relieved that the school district (and board) has taken proactive, actionable steps to mitigate the new HSMS' tax impacts.