CASE&POSITION STATEMENTFORA CAPITALCAMPAIGN
Built on Faith Growing in Purpose
Creating spaces where students can grow spiritually, physically, and in service to others.
JUNE
2025
WEARETHEMTCESVOLUNTEERS!
With a foundation built on faith, community, and volunteerism, Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School is dedicated to nurturing the whole child —spiritually, intellectually, physically, and morally.
From the very beginning, volunteerism at MTCES was more than a necessity—it became part of our identity. We proudly call ourselves the MTCES Volunteers, a name that honors our humble beginnings and reflects our unwavering commitment to faith, service, and community.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Denise Harvey
Erin Lammert
Todd Markle
Meredith Meyer
Katie Wietmarschen
STEERING COMMITTEE
Justin Birkle
Matt Brehm
Stephanie Carone
Jessica Dellaquila
Devyn Dugger
Samantha Fahrencamp
Nicole Garritano
CONSULTING FIRM
Institute for School and Parish Development (ISPD)
Frank Donaldson, President
Kyle Isaack, Associate
Brady & Teresa Hall
George & Kathleen Matic
Sean & Tricia McManniman
Tom Pohlmeyer
Mike Reed
Ryan Reiber
Justin & Katie Riley
Paul & Melissa Ruch
Jeff Savage
Justin & Jill Seger
Lindsey Sellers
Erin Sizemore
Nick & Ashely Volpenhein
AVISIONFORTHEFUTURE
GUIDEDBYFAITH
Since opening in 1998, Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School has stayed true to its core values of faith, service, and community. What began with 20 kindergarteners in a church basement has grown into a vibrant K–8 school, now serving over 660 students.
Over the years, MTCES has grown in response to the needs of our students and the community around us. Through multiple building expansions, and the recent blessing of the St. Teresa of Calcutta Chapel, our campus has transformed to meet the demands of our growing student body.
Today’s enrollment reflects the strength and appeal of MTCES, but also reveals the limitations of our current campus. To address these challenges, the MTCES Board of Trustees developed a strategic growth plan based on input from hundreds of stakeholders who participated in community surveys. Over several years, feedback consistently emphasized the need for upgraded facilities—including a dedicated dining space, expanded parking, and enhanced opportunities for extracurricular activities.
In response, the Facilities Committee partnered with a design firm and contractors to create conceptual designs and a comprehensive construction plan. Throughout this process, critical factors such as zoning requirements, building codes, and both vehicle and student traffic patterns were carefully evaluated. Cost-efficiency remained a top priority, with a focus on creating a functional, future-ready campus that continues to serve the needs of our community.
THEFEASIBILITYPROCESS
As our school community has grown, so too has the need for a dedicated dining space as well as areas that support extracurricular activities and community events. To meet these needs, MTCES is exploring the possibility of launching a capital campaign to fund the following (listed in alphabetical order):
Improved and Expanded Parking
New blacktop and striping on existing parking lot with a redesigned layout for improved safety and traffic flow
Expanded parking lot to create 60 new parking spots
Additional parking would be next to the student center (west of the gym) to better accommodate visitors for special events
Renovated Student Activity Center (Gym)
New floor, fresh contemporary paint, and graphics for a modernized and welcoming space
A new main basketball court with additional hoops would be added Main court would run perpendicular to the existing two courts to allow for a full court option, while maintaining the two-court setup
New and upgraded bleachers to accommodate more spectators and the new main court configuration
Addition of a 4,000 sq. ft. dedicated dining space with seating for 225 students, designed to provide a more relaxed lunch experience
To be constructed in the existing courtyard at the heart of the school, directly across from the gym
Student Commons will serve as a community hub; offering flexible space to be used before, during, and after school
This addition also includes a 900 sq. ft. adjacent classroom to maximize use of available space and support our growing academic needs
The estimated cost of these combined projects is approximately $3 million dollars with the potential to be executed in multiple phases to manage scope and funding.
Student Commons Addition
READINESSASSESSMENT
In February 2025, MTCES initiated a feasibility study, facilitated by the Institute for School and Parish Development (ISPD), a nationally recognized Catholic development consulting firm. A steering committee made up of school leaders, staff, board members, and community leaders was formed to help guide the process.
In partnership with ISPD, the committee has been responsible for leading the key steps to complete this feasibility process. These include:
Conduct Input/Listening sessions with the MTCES Board, faculty and staff, parents, students, and the overall community
Create a Q & A document based upon input and discussions with members of the Steering Committee
Create this Position/Case Statement
Finalize the list of school leaders to be interviewed and further surveyed
Conduct 60+ one-on-one interviews with the above-mentioned leaders
Conduct a Direct Mail Questionnaire and On-Line Survey to selected parents, alumni, and other financial leaders
Present the results of this Feasibility Study to the MTCES board, administration, and Steering Committee in August 2025
The results of this Exploration-Discovery-Feasibility Phase will determine the next steps on moving forward with a capital campaign to fund the proposed projects.
WHATISNEEDED?YOURENGAGEMENT!
Please consider the number of ways you can be a part of this discovery phase of our work:
FREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONS
Q1: What is the estimated cost for each project?
A1: In collaboration with our Facilities Committee, architects, and contractors, we have received preliminary cost estimates for the proposed improvements:
Improved and Expanded Parking Lot: $365,000
Renovation of the Sister Anne Schulz Student Center/Gymnasium: $480,000
Student Commons and Adjacent Classroom (4,900 sq. ft. addition): $2,100,000
Q2: How was it decided that these three areas should be the focus?
A2: The areas of focus were determined through a combination of school-wide survey data, community feedback, observations, and a traffic study. With the school now close to full enrollment following the Phase 5 expansion, these projects will significantly improve day-to-day operations. They will also create spaces where students, faculty, staff, and the MTCES community can gather before, during, and after school, fostering an enhanced sense of community.
Q3: Can these projects all be done at once or would it be done in phases?
A3: While completing all projects at once would be the most cost-effective approach, the timeline will depend on how quickly funds are raised through the potential capital campaign. If funding allows, we hope to move forward with all projects simultaneously; otherwise, they may need to be completed in phases.
Q4: What would happen with the school during construction?
A4: The majority of construction would occur over summer break to minimize disruption. Any work scheduled during the school year will be carefully planned and managed to ensure it does not interfere with the learning environment or daily operations.
Q5: What is the timeline for all of this?
A5: MTCES is currently conducting a financial feasibility study, with results expected by August 2025. If the results of the study support moving forward, a Capital Campaign will launch this fall. The construction timeline will depend on how quickly fundraising goals are met, with the potential for work to begin as early as summer 2026.
Q6: How will parents and stakeholders be informed?
A6: The MTCES Leadership Team and Board of Trustees are committed to keeping the community well informed throughout the process. Updates will be shared regularly through emails, newsletters, social media, and community meetings to ensure transparency.
Q7: What are the proposed locations for these additions, and how were they determined?
A7: Several locations were considered for these additions. Final decisions were based on what best aligns with our existing infrastructure, complies with zoning requirements, and supports efficient traffic flow. Additional parking is planned for the area west of the gym, replacing the current gravel driveway. This location was selected for its accessibility and ability to improve traffic flow and safety.
The Student Commons and adjacent classroom would be constructed in the school’s central courtyard. Originally intended as an outdoor classroom, this space is currently underutilized. Building here allows us to expand without increasing the overall footprint of our campus and is the most cost efficient solution.
Q8: Will tuition go up?
A8: Tuition typically increases slightly each year to keep pace with rising operating costs. However, tuition will not be increased to fund capital improvement projects.
Q9: What is the present financial status of MTCES?
A9: MTCES has a long-standing tradition of prudent financial planning and responsible annual budgeting Since its founding, MTCES has embraced a culture of strategic resource management and thoughtful growth. Guided by business-savvy volunteers on the Finance Committee and Board of Trustees, MTCES consistently operates with a balanced annual budget. This budget is supported by tuition, fundraising efforts, and a mortgage on our existing building. Together, these sources fund the school’s operations, facilities, and ongoing educational programming.
Q10: Who will be asked to fund the capital campaign, and if I participate, how much will I be expected to give?
A10: All members of the MTCES community—parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty/staff and friends will be invited to participate. While there is no set amount expected from each individual, we encourage everyone to prayerfully reflect on how they might support this effort, according to their means. Every phase of our school’s growth has been made possible by the generosity and sacrifice of those who came before us. Today, we stand on their shoulders—and now it is our turn to continue that legacy. Whether through a leadership gift, a multiyear pledge, or by serving as an ambassador, this is a chance to help shape the next chapter of our story.
Q11: When will this campaign begin and who will the leaders be?
A11: The Financial Feasibility Study is expected to conclude by the end of this summer. If results are favorable, we plan to launch the capital campaign at the start of the 2025–2026 school year. The Campaign will be organized and implemented with leadership from the Board of Trustees, the Principal, the Director of Advancement and the Steering Committee. The Institute for School and Parish Development (ISPD) will provide guidance and support throughout the process.
Q12: Why would it be necessary to launch a capital campaign to fund these projects?
A:12 Tuition revenue alone does not fully cover the costs of school operations and facility maintenance. Annual fundraising initiatives, such as the SOMT Annual Appeal and fundraising events, help bridge the gap by supporting the school's day-to-day operational budget. However, major projects like facility expansions or renovations require funding beyond what our annual fundraisers can provide. A capital campaign is necessary to raise dedicated funds for these large-scale improvements.
Q13:How long will the pledge period be, and will it be possible to contribute in a specific way?
A13: Donors to the campaign will have several giving options. They will be able to make a one time gift or make a pledge over 2 to 5 years. Naming rights and memorial opportunities will also be available, providing a meaningful way to honor a loved one or recognize a family's commitment to MTCES.
Q14: Is MTCES planning to add more classes for each grade and expanding the student body?
A14: MTCES will continue to be a 3-track school, with three homerooms per grade level. We have just reached full capacity after our most recent expansion, and there is no plant to expand beyond this structure. Our focus is on enhancing our campus to best serve our current and future students within this established model.
Q15: As a parent/stakeholder, why should I support these projects?
A15: These projects have been carefully chosen because they will have a lasting, positive impact on the entire MTCES community. Each improvement directly responds to our current needs while positioning the school for long-term sustainability and success. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, who dreamed and sacrificed so we could be here. Now, it’s our turn to honor that legacy and help shape the future. By supporting these projects, you’re investing in a lasting foundation of faith, hope, and generosity that will bless our community for generations to come.
7197 Mother Teresa Lane Liberty Township, OH 45044
For more information, please visit www.mtces.org/futuregrowth or call us at (513) 779-6585.
"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples,"
- Mother Teresa