Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the University involved in the decisions of TCS?
The College School is not an independent school. It is a laboratory school, which serves as a training site for University of Delaware students seeking certification in regular and special education and as a research center for faculty engaged in special education research. Most of the resources not obtained through tuition come directly and indirectly through the University.
What is the TCS’s financial situation?
The Governor’s proposed budget for 2011 has reduced funding to the University of Delaware by approximately 15%. As a result, President Harker has asked all areas to review programs for financial sustainability. The task force has been charged with reviewing the schools revenues and expenses. Initial findings indicate that TCS currently operates at a deficit, with annual direct and indirect costs estimated well in excess of what parents are charged for tuition. It is difficult for the College of Education and Human Development to absorb these costs.
Additional information regarding the financial status will made available as the task force evaluation proceeds.
Does the Task Force understand and appreciate the value of TCS?
The task force has received dozens of communications from people in the community and around the University who benefit from TCS. Researchers, teachers, students and faculty have all offered examples of services TCS provides. This is all being captured in the task force's report and will be presented in response to one of our charges, showing that TCS contributes to the mission of the University. If you have examples you'd like to share, please submit them through our Feedback page.
Are you going to close the school?
We are fully aware of the value this school brings to our students. Closing the school is not our only option or even a preferred option. We will be exploring many alternatives – increasing tuition, fundraising, bigger class sizes, alternative funding sources, etc. We will look at many ways to increase revenue and decrease expenses.
How can we, as parents, ensure our concerns are heard?
We are providing several channels to allow parents to stay involved in the evaluation process. This website will be your primary tool. You are encouraged to submit questions, suggestions and feedback to our task force here. As answers become available, they will be posted on the News page or in FAQ. In addition, the task force will conduct meetings with key stakeholders during the process. To help provide a balanced perspective, a member of the task force is a parent at TCS. We do ask that you limit offering comments directly to task force members, and instead use the Feedback section, to ensure all members are aware of your issues.
Page updated 3/25/11
