LATEST UPDATE - 5/15/2025

 

The Pharos Academy Launch Task Force met recently to review progress and plan for our Fall opening.  Here’s a summary of key updates from the meeting:

 

Old Business

• 1-100 Envelope Fundraiser: Having received an update on the funding received through this initiative, the Task Force decided to keep the wall display up, with expectations that momentum will build once the school year begins.

• Facilities Update: The ECOG Board is in the process of hiring a contractor to complete required work.

New Business:  Fundraising

• We are following up with McAlister’s for results from their recent fundraiser.

• We are coordinating a Senator’s Game Fundraiser in July (Faith Night). A special ticket link will be provided, with Pharos receiving $4 per ticket purchased. 

• We will have a Dine and Donate event on Wednesday, June 10 at the Texas Roadhouse in Camp Hill, PA.  This event has been advertised on Pharos Academy’s website and Facebook page

Administrative & Operational Updates

• PA Sales Tax Exemption: Paperwork has been submitted. The application is on hold until Pharos completes three months of operations, after which we will report back to the PA Department of Revenue.

• Articles of Incorporation: These were amended to include the required Dissolution clause.

• Federal Tax Exemption (Form 1023): We are working with the accounting firm, Cohick & Associates. They will assist with preparation and filing.  Two members of the Task Force met with an accountant from Cohick & Associates on May 8.

• Insurance: We have secured a policy through Mark Swartz at Bower Insurance for $1,905 annually. The provider recommends adopting a Sexual Abuse Policy; we have requested a template from Bower Insurance to help us draft a policy.

• Key Documents: Drafts of the Handbook, Code of Conduct, and Non-Employee Teacher Contract have been distributed. These will be reviewed and edited at the next meeting.

• Technology & Agreements: Pastor Jensen is preparing questions for the ECOG Board regarding use of their computer equipment and network to find out what Pharos is permitted to use.

• Tuition Payments: The task force approved the use of Vanco for electronic collections.

• Banking: We will obtain advice from the Administrative Assistant at ECOG regarding Vanco and accounting software.  We will also speak with her to get information that will help us obtain a credit card at Members 1st FCU while we await non-profit approvals.

School & Class Updates

• Flyers and the website are being updated to reflect our new direction focused on stand-alone classes.

• The task force approved up to $500 in discretionary spending by the Head of School for advertising at vendor events, homeschool groups, social media, and printed materials.

• Potential Classes (subject to final confirmation):

  • We have a teacher who is willing to teach the following classes:  Letter of the Week (PreK-K), God Made Everything (Early Elem), Intro to Church and Bible History (Early Elem), and God’s Amazing World (Early Elem).  Each of these classes will take place weekly for 90 minutes. 

  • We have another teacher willing to teach Latin Immersion (High School) and Middle School Latin.  Each of these classes will take place twice a week for 60 minutes.

  • We have a third teacher willing to teach Algebra 1 for Middle/High School Students.  These classes will take place twice a week for 60 minutes.

• The Head of School will continue reaching out to additional potential teachers and classes.

 

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The task force welcomes continued prayer and support from the church community. For more information about Pharos Academy or ways to get involved, visit www.pharosacademy.net or direct questions to any member of the task force which includes Lauren Cook, Pastor George Jensen, Jill Kilker, Kathy Liddick, Cindy Marrow, Barry Wolfe and Joni Wolfe.

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