Remsen St. Mary's Schools

 Several members of the St. Mary’s community have agreed to provide campaign leadership, and we are grateful for their involvement and support in leading this effort. Together, we will ensure that our school remains a vibrant and thriving part of our community for generations to come.

Our honorary chairs are Joe Bates, Bob and Doris Gengler, and Karen Waldschmitt. Ryan and Melissa Feeck and Danny and Sara Harpeneau serve as General Chairs. 

Click the campaign leadership spotlights below learn more about our cabinet members. Click the images to enlarge them and click them again to close.

 







 Campaign presentation at school picnic. Pictured above, from left, front row: Sara Harpeneau, Melissa Feeck, Beth Homan, Angela Hilbert (Steier Group). Back row, from left: Danny Harpeneau, Ryan Feeck, Fr. Tim Pick, Kim Phillips, Luke Homan, John Schmitz (Diocese of Sioux City).

1. Can I choose how campaign leadership uses my gift?

Yes, although most donors are likely to leave their gifts unrestricted, you may designate your gifts toward one of the goals. Leadership will use unrestricted gifts to meet all our goals. To designate your gift, please write your intent on your pledge card.

2. How can I participate? Can I pledge over time?

Our campaign offers a wide range of gift opportunities to participate at all levels. You may choose a plan that provides you with flexibility and time to complete the payment of your pledge. Since our needs are urgent, we encourage you to complete your pledge within the three-year pledge period.

3. Is my pledge legally binding? Will it be confidential?

A pledge is a gift defined as meaningful. All we ask is that you do your best and advise us of any financial changes that will impact your pledge. We will keep pledges as confidential as possible. Only those responsible for maintaining the records will have access to your pledge.

4. How was a pledge amount determined?

We base our “requested amounts” on past giving histories and answers given in the planning study. We ask that you consider a sacrificial gift above your normal support.

5. Who will leadership ask to support the We Believe ... Our Faith, Our Family, Our Future capital campaign?

We will ask all members of St. Mary’s Schools and Church, alumni, and our greater community to consider a campaign commitment.

6. How will We Believe ... Our Faith, Our Family, Our Future capital campaign affect church offertory?

In the short term, we expect offertory giving to remain constant. Through the effort, volunteers will ask church members to make pledges beyond their regular giving. We will not ask members to diminish their school or offertory support but to consider a commitment above their normal tithe. In the long term, similar campaigns have led to increases in weekly giving by raising the sights of members and their commitment to the church.

7. What are the goals of the campaign?

The campaign goal of the We Believe … Our Faith, Our Family, Our Future capital campaign is $7 million for the relocation and renovation of the elementary school. The funding goal of $10 million will allow for additional renovation and refurbishment to the middle/high school building. 

8. How will Remsen St. Mary’s Schools students benefit from this campaign?

We seek to preserve and continue the heritage and tradition of catholic education for the entire generation of students.

9. What will be done with the funds for technology?

Technology investments will provide the hardware, software, and expertise needed to ensure that Remsen St. Mary's faculty has the necessary tools to support our students and that our students are immersed in emerging technologies to carry with them as they further their education.

10. What are the ESA Education Savings Accounts (ESA)? Why does this matter?

Remsen St. Mary’s supports ESAs because they provide more opportunities for families to choose a school that best fits their student's and family's needs. We are blessed to have both state and local support to make a Catholic education available to all interested families. We encourage parents exploring Catholic school education to call or visit Remsen St. Mary’s Schools. Tuition scholarship assistance is available for qualifying families. 

11. How does the ESA funding work?

K-12 students who choose to attend accredited private schools are eligible to receive the ESA funding. It also provides additional funding for public schools for students who live in their district but attend private schools.

An Education Savings Account (ESA) is a deposit of public funds into government-authorized savings accounts that eligible families may use to cover tuition, fees, and other qualified education expenses at accredited private schools in Iowa. Parents who enroll their eligible children in an accredited private school will receive an estimated $7,598 per pupil for the upcoming school year. Funds are deposited into the student's ESA each year until the student graduates high school or turns 20. The remaining balance is returned to the state general fund.

Students First ESAs will be awarded based on the following eligibility.

Year 2: School Year 2024-2025

• All students entering kindergarten
• All students enrolled in a public school the prior year
• A student enrolled in an accredited nonpublic school with a household income at or below 400% of the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Year 3: School Year 2025-2026

• All K-12 students in Iowa, regardless of income

Education Savings Accounts (ESA) applications will be open again in spring 2025.

12. Will the ESAs support the campaign?

No, ESA (Education Savings Accounts) funds are provided by the state for families to pay educational costs. ESA funds go to parents to cover tuition. Tuition dollars do not go toward funding these capital campaign projects. The capital campaign fundraising effort is separate from the school's operational budget. ESA funding does not go toward funding capital projects. Remsen St. Mary’s Schools is raising money for facility improvements through a fundraising campaign that is separate from the school's operational budget.

13. Why emphasize pledges?

Pledges allow donors to consider giving more than is possible through “one-time” gifts. This is important in a campaign of this magnitude.

14. Are pledges the only kind of gifts?

While such gifts will be the type most often made to the campaign, other types include gifts of stock, gifts of grain, distribution from a retirement account and matching gifts. 

15. To what extent are campaign commitments tax deductible?

Gifts to the campaign are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. The application of such laws varies with individual circumstances. Donors with specific questions regarding tax deductibility should contact their attorneys or financial advisors.

16. Can I change my pledge payment time frame?

Yes, all we ask is that you notify the business office.

17. What happens if we do not reach our goal?

Of course, we expect to meet or surpass the goal. If that doesn’t happen, the We Believe ... Our Faith, Our Family, Our Future capital campaign leadership will meet with the architect to determine the project's future.

18. How will donors be recognized for their gifts to the campaign?

All campaign contributions will be included in a donor recognition listing at the conclusion of the We Believe Our Faith Our Family, Our Future Capital Campaign. Additionally, donors will have opportunities to receive further recognition for their support.

19. Will student enrollment be impacted as a result of the school project?

The school projects included will enhance our existing classroom space and better meet the needs of our current students, faculty, and staff. We have been blessed with a successful school, and now is the time to rebuild what others selflessly built for us.

20. When will I be asked to make a pledge to the campaign?

Following our campaign kickoff, you will receive an appeal packet in the mail with a campaign case statement detailing the campaign goals and building projects along with a confidential request letter from Fr Tim. Please review the information in your packet and prayerfully discern how you can support the campaign.

21. What does the plan include?

• 26,000 feet of additions for building updates, repurposing, and remodeling
• open and spacious classrooms for grades preschool through fourth grade
• a computer lab that is capable of accommodating future technologies
• enhanced building safety features

The plan includes creating a new:

• Library/Media Center
• Overlook to the gymnasium
• Admissions Office
• Teacher Workspace

The plan includes upgrades, including:

• an updated school entrance on the west side
• improved drop-off and pick-up lane
• a multipurpose space for all students and guests

22. Why are we conducting a capital campaign?

With over 140 years of traditions and educational standards, Remsen St. Mary’s has reached a pivotal moment. To fully realize our mission and provide opportunities for students to succeed, we must pursue additional investment in the school.