Dear Parents and Supporters of PCS;
Did you know that Pacific Christian School marked a significant milestone last year? 60 years ago, the first students, along with two teachers, walked through the doors of what would become PCS. Over those years, we’ve built an amazing legacy of service and community while seeking to fulfill our mission to provide “Educational Excellence to the Glory of God”. We are thrilled that you have been along for part of the journey.
Not surprisingly, this recent season has been a challenging one financially as we all deal with the current uncertainties of the pandemic. PCS has not been immune to this. Each year, the school receives about half of our income through government grants; the other coming primarily from student tuition. Together these sources cover most of our operating expenses – things such as administrative costs to keeping the lights and heat on. However, they do not provide sufficient resources for things like ongoing facilities maintenance or technology upgrades.
Because of this, we are often confronted with tough decisions. Our attempts to ‘balance the books’ can show up in things like struggling to modernize our facilities to meet the challenges of current and future needs. Recently, as we considered staff pay levels at PCS, I was reminded that the gap between many of our staff and their public-school counterparts is now more than 15%. Working at a Christian school has always been a calling – but the size of the gap is concerning.
In these difficult times, it would be easy to adapt a scarcity mindset – believing that we lack the resources to do the work to which we are called. Biblically, however, I believe we are challenged to have a different perspective. Recently my church small group was considering the story of the feeding of the 5,000. Starting with five loaves and two fish, Jesus and the disciples fed the entire crowd, and had 12 baskets to spare! When we step into God’s plan, we step into a place of abundance.
We are pleased to announce that we are reigniting an Annual Giving Plan for Pacific Christian School in 2021. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of PCS and continue the incredible work that God has called us to. Over the coming weeks, we will be unveiling additional details about the plan with specific projects that support our mission moving forward. I ask that you consider partnering with us – start praying and considering how you could contribute.
Once again, thank you for all that you have done to support our school and students over the years. We are excited about the future and we believe our mission of faith, that has been strong for the past 60 years, is ready to carry us forward for future generations.
Darren Lewis
PCS Superintendent.