Creating An Islamic School

Kathy Ahmed

PHASES OF DEVELOPMENT

Phase I – Research and PlanningPhase II – Creating the Foundation

Phase I – Research and Planning

The School Planning CommitteeDiverse Members Ethnic, demographic Fields of professions

Ex: Educators strive for academic excellence but need realistic budget, while financial officers need to be reminded of high academic standards = BALANCE!

Establish the mission statement Reminds us of the purpose – today and

future

CO M M UNITYP o ssib le C o ns titue n ts

Pa re n tsVisio na ries

C om m un ity L ea de rsR e ligio us

O rga n iza tion alPo litical

Profes sio na lsM a rke tin g a nd Sa les

A ttorne ysBu sin e ss o wn e rs

Ed uc ato rsAca d em ic F o cus

Isla m icSe cu lar

School Planning Committee

Marketing in the Community

G rea ter Me tro Area "O ne Ma sjid Town"

Se llin g th e Purp ose o f an Is la mic Scho ol

F irst Sch o ol in A rea

Se llin g Sp ecific Scho ol Philo sop hy

M u ltip le Sch oo ls in Area

C o mmu nity Id en tify ing

Sellin g the C on ce pt

First School Communities

Question whether community will support the idea Seek support from key leadersUtilize various statistical information (i.e. surveys, local Masajid community lists) Use information that will help further marketing

strategies, such as community needs and demographics

Presentations Show results of other existing schools Identify school’s purpose that they can relate to

Multiple School Areas

Why do we need another school?How is this school different?Identify possible conflicts with other schools and be proactive by creating supporting relationships

PHASE II – Creating the Foundation

LegalFinancialAcademicMarketing Community Continued

A: LegalitiesOrganizational Options

State Dept. Non-Profit Corporation or Education Corp. Tax-Exemption Status Charter Schools in your state

Religious education – is it an option? Non-Public School State Affiliation

Drafting By-laws Seek ISNA Education Dept and other school’s support Seek attorney with appropriate background

Define and Redefine Committees (ad hoc and standing) Executive (Shura), School Board &

Administration Define departments, responsibilities, lines of

communications Early, thorough planning can reduce power struggles

later

B: FinancialPlan Fiscal Structure RESEARCH –

What does it take to open What does it take to keep it open

Identify Expenses (Mission guided) Identify Realistic Income Sources

% Tuition Coverage % Donation Dependent

Fiscal research may restructure original goals Long term planning Locations Investments Grade level limitations

Some Major Expenses

General Expenses

Operating Expenses

-Payroll & Benefits-Legal Fees & Taxes-Tuition Assistance

-Building and Maintenance -Equipment-Transportation

Budgets can be created using percentages per category:

Ex: payroll + fringe benefits = 65% of expenses

Allocated numbers reflect school’s Fiscal AND Academic planning

Budget PlanningInitial Budget – What you need to openCreate Tuition Fee Schedule Other fees – registrations, books, transportation

Decide on the minimum # of students needed to openOr

Ensure reinforced $ support regardless of student # but the #’s must get better with time and support must continue until it doesFUNDRAISING

Donations

Goal: Fiscal IndependenceDonations: A dollar given is a dollar spent

UNLESS investments made

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1 2 3 4

Donation

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Fiscal Serenity - INVEST

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250

500

750

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Time

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Invest in Academics Increases student

enrollment Rippling affect

Invest in Growing Markets Create a 10% rule Create and

Endowment Fund

Location - GeneralDefined goals, entity type and budget constraints, will reflect on the location of school Mission Statement

Targeting specific area, independent, co-ed, affiliations…

District (LEA) Various support levels with varying districts Incentive and services – transportation, books…

Fiscal Standing Most influential variable in choosing location

IF STEP B WELL-CONSTRUCTED, LESS HINDERENCE OF FISCAL ISSUES!

Location – Fiscal Related

Building Purchase vs. Lease Leasing negotiations, contracts and

terms must be clear Purchases depend on funds, building

availability, renovations (meets bldg. codes), etc

Muslim or Not – Create legally binding contracts

(Make No Assumptions – things change!)

Location – Identity RelatedMasjid Affiliations Part of Masjid entity –

Pros – Legal status differs (ex. already tax-exempt), same funds targeted for whole organization

Cons – Political struggles, focus on high academic structure may be blurred by other community/Masjid related factors

In Masjid building, separate entity- Pros – Independence, focus on higher academic

standards, political struggles can be avoided through clear policies ands terms

Cons – competing funds and unshared mission provides supporting constraints

No Affiliations – Independent School

Long Term Planning

Provides a recurring goal: a reminder of where you are and where you want to beFocuses on ensuring original mission, vision and philosophy do not get lostGives opportunity for learning and growthShows the community school aims to build a strong foundation and provide stability

Fiscal Summary Step 1 Donations are necessary - fundraise Don’t fall into the trap of making it your

backbone Extra effort in early planning and marketing

Step 2 Increase enrollment every year

More students = more tuition More students = more parental involvement Parents are donors too!

Step 3 Create an endowment fund, make business

purchase, invest 10% funds

C: AcademicsBased on the Mission StatementComprehend education law & national standards Important especially if planning on competing for

academic excellence

Board of Directors – Founders/New members Interview new members, avoid conflicts of

interest if with other organizations and provide thorough orientation

Headmaster Compare qualifications to your school needs Know their educational and religious philosophies

Academics continued

Seek other educational advise Create mentor relationships with

professional educators with experience Discuss possible academic structures

Decide academic focus or “specialties” Create curriculum committee

(see Dr. Tasneema Qazi paper on Curriculum Development)

Academic continued

Create the Academic Program Assumption: Board/Admin defined

structure Religious aspects Board Expectations Clear Administration Expectations (Contracts)

Administration Lead Program Development Staff contract developing Staff and Parental Handbooks

Ensure abiding local, state and federal laws

Academics continuedCreating Administrative Office Office Management –

establishment of day to day operations Bookkeeping and record keeping of Attendance,

fiscal, student records, and correspondences

Hiring Teachers Muslims vs. Non-Muslims vs. Certified Advertise – Mosques, Job Banks, Papers Interviews –

Do not settle Background checks

Provide clear expectations Support through training

D: Community Outreach

Continued Community Outreachthroughout Legal, Financial and

Academic stages provide: Easier recruitment of students Reinforces donors support Develops ties for long lasting

relationships Can jump start an active PTA

Get Better With TimeKeep records of each year’s accomplishmentsTimelines – Keep you on track Be realistic – much depends on time put in per

individual

Create an annual checklist calendar for recurring projects and deadlines Curriculum review, inspections, staff

interviews, governmental forms and applications…

Final NotesLogistics and Tawakeel A school’s purpose is to serve Allah (SWT). Do

not be pessimistic and afraid to start – better to have tried and failed (actually you don’t fail – if you count the blessings) than to not have struggled at all.

Do not base the school’s success entirely on the numbers – plan well, but remember: He is the best Planner

ALL committee members must truly believe in the common mission if they are to work as a team – not just a group

There are obstacles undoubtedly – but as long as the struggle is for solely for Him – Tawakil!