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Preschool Seeking Way To Raise Money

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By MICHELE SAGER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 24, 2007

Updated: 11/21/2007 09:22 pm

USF CAMPUS - Tired of operating under a deficit, leaders of the USF Preschool for Creative Learning are hoping to make changes to improve the school's finances.

Members of the school's advisory board met last week and discussed the need to increase fees and raise more money for the site.

"We operate in the red, and we always operate in the red," said Marcia Mann, who heads the school's advisory board.

The school primarily operates from user fees collected for the 108 children who attend. The school also receives about 22 cents from the University of South Florida for every credit hour paid for by students. That money is supposed to be used for physical needs and eventual expansions of the program.

But when user fees don't cover the operating needs of the school, its leaders are forced to dip into the capital improvement fund.

So, for a second straight year, the school will increase its user fees, part of a five-year plan to increase fees. Tuition fees will go up 7 percent or 8 percent for the 2008-09 school year, depending on the age of the child. Registration fees will go up 36 percent. The fee increase is expected to be approved by USF's board of trustees in December.

Part of the preschool's financial problems stem from its unusual classification in the campus system. The preschool is considered an auxiliary service, meaning it's a for-profit business run separate from the university, like the USF bookstore or parking services department.

As an auxiliary, the university charges the preschool for services such as trash and maintenance. Educational departments don't pay for all of these services.

But the preschool is operated like a nonprofit educational facility because it's run by the College of Education and provides training opportunities and research for staff and students in the college.

Because the preschool falls under the College of Education, the facility doesn't share the same freedoms and negotiating options as other auxiliaries on campus. And with state universities facing another lean budget, the College of Education is expecting its own budget tightening.

"Our home should be in an academic college, but the dean doesn't have the money to spend on us," Mann said.

Board members said someone needs to lobby the university to change its classification.

Justin Hall, chief of staff for USF student government, suggested the board expand its fundraising opportunities and use more student resources on campus. Student government has a representative on the preschool board because USF students are given priority entrance for their children into the facility.

Hall said many student organization members can help raise funds and volunteer at the school. He also suggested the school look into more grant opportunities because it is home to higher-education research.

"What I can offer is quick fixes for things," Hall said. "You'll need some long-range planning."

The advisory board will hold a special meeting Jan. 11 to review and discuss the preschool's budget.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

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