Frequently asked questions

If I donate to the Shomray Torah Annual Fund, what will my money be used for?
Moneys donated to Shomray Torah will be used to bridge the 15% gap between tuition income and actual cost of a Bet Shraga education. Specifically:

• Retaining our excellent teachers and providing them with continued professional development
• Developing challenging educational programming
• Supporting technology upgrades
• Making sure tuition is accessible to all who desire a Jewish education
• Enhancing our campus

Does the school receive allocations from government or nonprofit agencies?
As an independent school, we cannot rely on significant government funding to help pay for our operating costs. We are very thankful to the United Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York for its annual allocation to the school. Without that support, the gap between tuition income and operating costs would be greater than 15%.

Why not raise tuition to fully cover the cost of a Bet Shraga Education?
Part of our mission is to make tuition as accessible as possible for families who want their children to have a Jewish education. If we raise our tuition to cover all of our expenses, our school population and diversity would be significantly compromised. In addition, gifts to the Shomray Torah Annual Fund are tax deductible; school tuition is not.

Is there a difference between the old “Give or Get” commitment and the new “Bonim” program, and what is the reason for the change?
The “Give or Get” commitment now has been incorporated into our broadened Shomray Torah Annual Fund with a baseline giving level established to honor and acknowledge our required parental commitment. We chose the name “Bonim” (Hebrew for builders) for this giving level as parents continue to be the cornerstone of building for our future.
The required commitment remains the same ($500 for new families, $750 for returning families). While some parents choose to pay outright, soliciting advertisements for the School Yearbook or Directory is an outstanding method of satisfying the same commitment. We hope by bringing the program under the umbrella of the Shomray Torah Annual Fund, you will understand the purpose of your donation and will feel more a part of the extended family investing in the future of the school you have chosen for your children.

Why isn’t this “required contribution” just added to the price of tuition?
If tuition were increased to cover the “required contribution” it would lead to increased requests for tuition assistance as many families would not be able to cover the cost. By having the ability to solicit ads to cover the requirement, families have a way to show their commitment to the school and its future without adding further challenges to their finances.

Why should I give above my Bonim requirement? Why is a small gift important?
Voluntary participation by our parents, above required amounts, broadcasts to the greater community that our school is a worthwhile investment. We encourage families to give what they are able, whether it be 18$ or 1800$. Our hope is that we can double voluntary parental participation this year.

How can I increase my participation if I can not afford to give additional money?
We understand that it is difficult for some families to participate above the Bonim requirement. You can increase your participation by soliciting additional advertisements. New contributors are critical to expanding our financial base as well as the scope of Bet Shraga's public awareness.