Dear PS Community,
As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, our comprehensive response as a school must evolve as well. It has become increasingly clear that the economic impact of this pandemic is very likely to have a long-lasting effect on the Houston economy and, in turn, on many of our families. With this realization in mind, the Board of Trustees voted yesterday evening to keep tuition flat for the 2020-21 school year. This means that there will be a 0% tuition increase from this year to next, as compared to the previously-announced 5% increase. However, this action is only possible in light of the very difficult decision to freeze all faculty, staff, and administrator salaries for next year at their current levels. We are also issuing a targeted hiring freeze as well as a freeze on any budget increases for the coming year. Finally, we are examining ways to support our families who may see increased financial needs during these uncertain times.
Additionally, with the County, the State, and the Federal Governments announcing that they will extend their Stay-at-Home guidelines through April 30, Presbyterian School will extend our own campus closure through that date as well. It is our hope that we will reopen for faculty only on Friday, May 1, 2020 and then for students on Monday, May 4, 2020. It goes without saying that these plans are tentative and contingent upon the go-ahead from local, regional, and federal authorities. As we have throughout this crisis, we will continue to use the CDC, Houston Health Department, and Harris County Public Health for guidelines.
As I mentioned in our Virtual Town Hall on Sunday, our Mission challenges us every day to be "united" in the education and support of our children. In regular and predictable times, this challenge can be a difficult one; in these uncertain times, it is even more vital to our community that we embrace the reality that we are all in this together. I continue to be grateful for your support and your encouragement. We will be transparent in our continuing efforts to communicate the important decisions of the School as situations warrant. Please don't hesitate to email me if you have any questions or concerns.
With Gratitude,
Dr. Mark A. Carleton Headmaster
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