Knowing time was short to get a new roof on this summer, both organizations quickly came together to formulate a plan. Through prayerful consideration a roofing contractor was selected, and a fundraising plan was initiated. The Foundation Board agreed to suspend normal fundraising activities and devote all undesignated contributions from May of 2024 through the end of the year to offset the cost of a new roof. RCS agreed to start by designating $50,000 of their reserves to the roof project as well as kicking off an RCS fundraising campaign.  Communication of the challenge to anyone ever connected to the school was launched and meetings with donors took place. It became an iterative process of assessing progress and planning on a weekly basis of how the contractor would be paid as donations were exhausted and invoices for the work became due and payable. 

Over the last 4 months, the response from the combined RCS and RCSF communities has been nothing short of miraculous. Donations of all sizes have come in with a timing that seemed to pattern the need. The man who owns the roofing company was sympathetic to the situation and donated time and materials to help combat some of the unexpected costs that were uncovered as the layers of old roof were peeled away. It became clear to all involved that God was at work in this seemingly insurmountable challenge. As we share this story with you now, we are pleased to report that the new roof is in place and the cost of the project has been almost completely covered. Praise God for his continued faithfulness to RCS! 

In contemplating the events of the last several months, a question emerged among donors and the RCS and RCSF Boards. The question was, “How do we ensure that we are better prepared for future capital projects?” The reality is that undesignated reserves within the school get used to close the gap between the tuition revenues and the true cost to educate. The school operating budget is very tight each year and historically, capital reserves written into an annual RCS budget are either very small or non-existent. As the building continues to age, we know that mission critical systems have a somewhat predictable and defined useful life. Without proper planning to fund and replace these systems, the school will face this type of urgent need in the future. Clearly, there is an opportunity to recognize this fact and put some measures in place to plan for upcoming capital projects. 

The RCS Foundation Board is responding to this need by retooling and reigniting the RCSF Capital Improvement Fund that has always existed within the Foundation. Traditionally, this capital fund has maintained a small balance. The RCSF board intends to grow this re-tooled capital fund and work with the school to establish a new strategic planning initiative that includes documented capital improvement needs. Once a schedule of items is determined and a budget for these items is established, the Foundation can consider allocations from this fund to help initiate and fuel reasonably timed fund drives by the RCS Board. In alignment with this plan, once the final invoice for the roof replacement is paid, any undesignated funds received by the Foundation between then and December 31, 2024, will go into this capital fund. 

We would like to take a moment to thank and acknowledge the countless hours of effort contributed by Greg Chambery and Ron Van Harken. Both Greg and Ron are alumni of RCS, former RCS parents, current RCS grandparents, held positions on past RCS Boards and committees and currently are RCSF President and Vice President. Both of their corporate experience positioned them well to lead different aspects of this project. Ron graciously donated his time and energy to ensure that the product delivered by our contractor was meticulously installed and 100% compliant with our new 20-year warranty. Greg led the RCSF fundraising activities which included many personal visits with long time donors. The RCS community is blessed to have Greg, Ron and their families continue to be so active in the school.

Throughout this latest challenge, the Foundation and the RCS Boards have come together and worked closer than ever before. We have felt God’s leading and guiding as we approached a challenge where the end was unclear. We could not have come to this point had it not been for our faithful donors. There are no words to express our thanks! Our donor support has pulled the school out of a difficult situation. We know that God has plans for many more children that will come through the doors of RCS. The Christian Community has an ongoing part in His plan and we look together toward a bright future for RCS. 

In His Service, 

Your RCS & RCSF Board of Directors
 

RCS Board Members: Joel Kunkel, President | Jeff Walsh, Vice President | Jenna Harding, Treasurer | Ellen Baniak, Secretary | Candice Moreno | Christy Porte | Emily Macchiano | Constance Taylor | James Mohrman
 

RCSF Board Members: Greg Chambery, President | Ronald Van Harken, Vice President | Tony LaPolla, Secretary 
Gail Barbour, Finance Manager | Jeff Machiele, Financial Advisor | Neil Cieminis, General Advisor | Cindy Kearns, Staff Communications Director