FAQs

Why does St. David's School need a Capital Campaign?

St. David's must establish and continue to fund a sizable endowment to support operational costs and supplement tuition revenue, and to provide funding for capital needs at the school. Those capital needs include improvements to campus facilities to accommodate a growing student body and provide adequate space for athletics, the arts, parking, and informal student meals and meetings. Since tuition will not provide the means to achieve these goals, we are asking all members of the school family to prayerfully consider a five year gift commitment through the “ Together for Excellence ” Capital Campaign.

How were the Goals for the Campaign Determined?

The endowment needs, including capital expansions, were based upon consultations with faculty, staff, students, parents, architects, engineers, and other specialists. The aim was to determine the most productive and efficient means to improve our campus and achieve maximum benefit for the school community. The dollar goals were determined based upon extensive, confidential interviews with 90 members of the school family.

What is the Campaign goal?

The total goal of this campaign is $15 million. Lead gifts have been secured throughout the past year in the “quiet” phase of the campaign. The public phase of the campaign will be essential to reach our campaign goals.

What are the projects that are involved in this campaign?

A significant expansion of the St. David's endowment will allow an investment in a number of exciting campus improvements, including a new Performing Arts Center, an Indoor Athletic Facility, a Dining Hall, and a Commons area. In addition, a portion of the endowment that is created by the money raised will be earmarked to support future faculty salaries and other needs, future facility maintenance (including operating expenses), and need-based financial aid.

How will we manage running the school, the traffic, and athletic games during this time of construction?

As construction for the New Gymnasium and Performing Arts Center will be taking place right beside the Lassiter Mill entrance into the school and completely surrounding our current Gym, operations will be challenged. As construction proceeds we will do all we can to limit the temporary inconveniences while maintaining a safe, secure campus.

What is the general time frame for the construction?

Much is subject to variables such as obtaining city permits and inclement weather, both of which are outside our control. The goal is to have the buildings completed by January 2010. Safety and the ability to continue to perform normal campus operations are the school's main priorities in this process. Thus, careful diligence will be taken to ensure a safe and successful completion of the project.

Why is it called a “Capital Campaign?”

The origin of the term derives from asking donors to make their gifts from their capital assets, rather than from their income. Therefore, while most give to the Annual Fund out of income, donors to a Capital Campaign are asked to consider giving from their assets, usually over several years, thus enabling most to make a larger gift.

We support the Annual Fund, is it part of the Capital Campaign?

No, the Annual Fund and the Capital Campaign are separate fundraising endeavors.  The Capital Campaign is a one-time fundraising endeavor that seeks to enhance our facilities.  We are asking everyone to continue or increase their level of support for the Annual Fund each year during the Capital Campaign.

What impact will this Campaign and our new facilities have on tuition?

New facilities will increase operating expenses. The Together for Excellence Capital Campaign has been structured to ensure that Endowment monies are allocated to meet the increase in operating costs that these new facilities will create.