Considering Eastern Christian School? Join us at an upcoming open house event or take a personal tour! Register Online
Christian school governance and planning: Ensuring Christian schools that thrive for years to come
Head of School Dr. Ruth Kuder credits proper governance and planning as one reason Eastern Christian School, as an institution, has been around since 1892. One way EC distinguishes itself from other Christian schools is by being governed by a school board rather than a church. In addition to the individuals tasked with the day-to-day operations of the school–the administration, faculty and staff–the board of directors is a governance board responsible for setting the policy of the school and holding administration accountable according to the school policies and strategic plan.
Kuder mentioned the value of a strong, independent board of directors. There’s a screening and onboarding process and regular professional development to ensure that board members not only have a good understanding of the school’s history and their role in governing it, but also that they’re truly committed to the school’s mission. This has resulted in a long history of a successfully functioning board of directors. Kuder says, “If the board of directors is strong, can provide really good strategic thinking, planning, and a vision for what is ahead, and they understand their responsibility for the sustainability of the school, that is probably one of the most important keys to the school being successful long term.”
Like many schools, EC’s mission statement involves providing an excellent academic curriculum, offering a variety of extracurricular activities, and creating a caring environment for students and staff, but it’s also a Christian school, so it also involves empowering students to develop their gifts within the context of a Reformed Christian worldview. For this reason, one of the things Kuder says must be essential for all of our staff and board members, is that they have a strong Christian testimony. Faith is integrated into everything that EC does, so it is imperative to have faculty and board members who have strong faith and are able to talk about their faith and how it has impacted their lives.
Eastern Christian continues a tradition of excellence measured not only by the academic success at all three campuses, but more importantly by the faithful supportive Christian community surrounding it.
