Since the article "Change or DIE" was the cover story of FAST COMPANY Magazine five years ago, perhaps we should take a quick look to see what has changed over the past five years.
I'm sure you’ll agree that everything has changed. Our nation's political and economic climates have changed, along with our atmospheric climate. Companies that were thriving five years ago don't exist today. If we had any doubts about how global our "Global economy" is, there is no doubt about it now.
Newborns five years ago are today's Kindergarteners. They already know how to use a computer. Some of them probably know not only their ABC's, but know how to type. The iPhone and now the iPad are the new computing platforms of choice. Proof that even in economically hard times, people will still embrace innovation. Innovation is the only thing that increases in a recession.
A poll released today says our attitudes toward our government have changed. Eighty percent of Americans don't trust the Federal Government, and some people are still trying to remove "In God We Trust" from our currency. I saw a T-shirt yesterday that had Sarah Palin's image on the front of it, and on the back were the words, "So, how’s that hopey-changey thing workin' out for ya?" - the headline of an article published a couple of months ago in the Washington Independent newspaper.
As we continue to move forward, it becomes clear that the "cure" for change is - well, more change. Even our Faith embraces change, as we are changed by hearing the Word of God in Scripture. The bread and wine are changed, becoming the body and blood of Christ, and we are changed when we receive the Eucharist. In this Easter season, we do have hope since we are told, "Behold, I make all things new" (Rev. 21:5).
But after visiting quite a few schools, and hearing some of their concerns, change might not have to be so radical after all. May I be so bold as to propose - SHIFT.
When you think of it, a shift is a change...which can also have radical consequences. After all, in an earthquake, the earth "shifts." It just moves...a little...and we've all seen what power such a small shift can have.
In the case of our schools, let's just shift our timeline three months, and see what could happen. Schools currently begin collecting tuition in July for the school year that starts in August and September; active efforts at enrolling students start during Catholic Schools Week, or after the Christmas break in Christian schools; and financial aid applications become available in February and are due around March or April.
Let's move the whole thing back just three months.
Schools would begin collecting tuition in April; active efforts at enrollment would begin in October; and financial aid applications would be available in November, and due in December or January.
What are the benefits?
By April, many parents have filed their tax returns, and payoff their tuition with an income tax refund. This model would allow the return to be used as a sizable down payment on tuition, ensuring enrollment for the coming year, and easing a monthly tuition burden. You'll have a sizable amount of tuition collected by the time the school year starts as well. And, wouldn't it be great to offer a payment plan that starts in April and is complete by December 31st, when the Christmas bills start to hit? A 9 month payment plan - April through December. Imagine. All tuition paid before Christmas. I think you'd enjoy your Christmas break a little more.
Official enrollment figures are due to many state education agencies on October 1st. As soon as those figures are reported, enrollment efforts for the coming year NEED to begin. That's when parents of Pre-K children start thinking about what will happen to their children next year when they're ready for Kindergarten. That's the time to capitalize on the opportunity.
Apply for financial aid in November? Certainly! Parents need to get used to it, since they'll have to do it for college. If you use a company to ascertain estimated financial need, and they won't process the application until all the required tax forms are submitted, it's time to change your need assessment provider. If your company won't start processing applications until January, it's time to change your need assessment provider.
What are the roadblocks?
If your office or tuition management company can't handle such a shift, use a company that can (like FACTS). If your need assessment provider can't handle such as shift, use a company that can (like FACTS). If you don't have an enrollment program to really follow-up with potential parents rather than being "hopey" about them calling back after you mail them a packet of information, use a company that can provide this (like FACTS).
The only other roadblocks are the mindsets of the folks you're working with. You need to build a compelling case for such a change, and become passionate about your vision. The future of your school may depend on it.
