1. What is the St. Dominic Teacher Salary Fund?

The St. Dominic Teacher Salary Fund is a dedicated fund created to raise money exclusively for increasing teacher salaries and benefits across the three Catholic schools in the St. Dominic Pastorate:

• St. Joseph School (Sinsinawa)

• St. Rose School (Cuba City)

• Holy Ghost–Immaculate Conception School (Dickeyville and Kieler)

2. Why is this fund necessary?

Catholic school teachers play a vital role in forming children in faith and virtue. Even after an approved raise for the 2025–2026 school year, their average salaries will still be only 63% of public school teachers' salaries. This fund helps us close that gap and retain high-quality educators who are committed to our Catholic mission.

3. Is this separate from local school fundraising?

Yes. While we strongly encourage ongoing support for your local Catholic school, this fund is different. It’s pastorate-wide and focused solely on increasing teacher compensation. All three schools share a unified salary scale, meaning a raise for one teacher is a raise for all teachers. This fund is the primary means of making those raises possible.

4. Will this fund affect each school’s unique identity?

No. Each school will continue to retain its unique Catholic identity, culture, and community traditions. As we unify financially and administratively as one pastorate and soon one parish, we remain committed to preserving what makes each school special.

5. Can this fund be used for anything other than teacher compensation?

No. This is a restricted fund, meaning donations can only be used to support teacher salaries and benefits—not for supplies, facilities, or other expenses.

6. Will my donation appear on my year-end tax statement?

Yes. Donors will receive a year-end tax statement. Please note that it may come from St. Mary’s Parish in Platteville, as that is where the fund is being housed.

7. Where does the fund reside?

Donations are deposited in the parish bank account and then moved to RMG Investments at the end of each month for management and growth.

8. Is this fund an endowment?

No, it is not a permanent endowment. It is a restricted fund for teacher salary expenses. The fund will generate interest, which will be distributed annually. However, the Pastorate Finance Council has the authority to approve the use of principal funds if needed to meet salary goals.

9. How will the funds be distributed among the schools and teachers?

Funds will be used to support the shared salary scale across all three schools. The amount available (from interest or principal, as approved) will be applied equitably to all teachers based on where they fall on the salary scale.

10. Is there a financial goal for the fund?

Yes.

• Initial Goal: $2,000,000

• Ultimate Goal: $4,000,000
  This would allow our schools to raise teacher salaries to approximately 85% of public school levels, making Catholic education a more sustainable and attractive profession.

11. How much has been raised so far?

As of launch weekend, the fund has already received $23,000 from generous early donors. This is a strong start—but we need everyone’s help to reach our goals.

12. How can I give?

There are several convenient ways to contribute:

• Online: stdomparish.com/support-our-mission

• QR Code: Scan the code in the parish bulletin flyer

• By Check: Made out to “St. Dominic Teacher Fund” and dropped off at any parish

• Recurring Gifts: Monthly and annual gifts are welcome and deeply appreciated

13. Who oversees the fund?

The St. Dominic Pastorate Finance Council, along with parish and school leadership, oversees the fund to ensure all donations are used appropriately, transparently, and in line with the fund’s purpose.

14. What else can I do to help?

• Pray for our teachers and schools

• Spread the word about the fund

• Include the fund in your estate planning

• Volunteer at your school or parish