Hello Gerry,
Creating and maintaining a website definitely takes a level of commitment, both financially and in the area of personnel needed to manage it. That being said, it is a fantastic method for communication.
Often schools spend an incredible amount of money trying to find and maintain contact with their graduates. A website accomplishes that same thing. In fact, graduates will find YOU via a website.
This is a valid point to bring up when trying to get the "buy in" you're looking for.
June