Why Have Christian Schools Closed?

What can we Learn?What can be done?

John W. Storey, Ed.D.

December 14, 2016 to ISM Consultants

The Closure of Conservative Christian Schools in the Northeast USA since 2008

Why Have Conservative Christian Schools Closed?

What can we Learn?What can be done?

Historical Background

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01Schools began as Christian

Government schools became the norm during the 1800’s

Christian schools as we know them began to increase from 1960-2000

In the last 15 years, more schools have closed than have opened

268 closures in the Northeast between 2007–2015-number is low since we have only tracked those schools which have been members of ACSI at one time.

There are factors outside of school control that have influenced these closures

Economic challenges (American economy, cost of benefits…mainly health care)

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Competition – home schooling, charter schools, public school choices, higher quality private schools

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Population of schoolage children,

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Cultural shifts, malaise about the impact of these shifts upon children 03

What were the factors within the schools control that may have led to their demise?

Lack of focus on mission, purpose and outcomes

Academic mediocrity -Lack of intentionality in developing curricula

that led to the desired ends

Lack of a strategic plan, strategic financial plan or developing one and allowing the

tyranny of the urgent to set it aside

Lack of a business model or a flawed business model

Weak and/or flawed governance structure

Lack of visionary leadership

An approach to spiritual development that communicated to students that

conformity to rules was more important than spiritual growth

What are some common factors among these almost 300 schools?

Small

Majority were church sponsored

Only 2 were accredited(both church-sponsored)Hard revenue did not cover the cost to educate

The vast majority (of which I have knowledge) used textbooks as

curricula (mainly so called…Christian texts)

Teachers received low salaries and benefits (if any) were

minimal

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What can be done now to make it more likely these schools will stay open in the next 20 years and beyond?

• Take a critical look at your business model and determine if it is sustainable.

Develop governance that engages in governance not management and has a strong commitment and understanding of mission,

Identify leadership with vision and the communication skills (interpersonal and public, writing) to share with others in such a way that they buy into the vision – create ownership. Intentionality in leadership succession is critical.

Work now toward accreditation….if accredited work toward exemplary accreditation and use the new action research protocol being developed.

Evaluate the school’s business model, engage in strategic planning and strategic financial planning

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• Accreditation by School Progress (ASP) September 2016 Edition• Accreditation by School Progress (ASP) is a protocol for

reaccreditation using action research to engage the entire school community in continuous improvement. The centerpiece of ASP is a collaborative, school-wide project that blends educational practice with research to impact student outcomes.

Questions I’ve asked school leaders and boards regarding their sustainability

To what level is tuition funding the mission?

Do you know the cost to educate?

Have you taken a look at student discounts and why you have them

What part do events and sales have in meeting your

budget?

Are you developing cash reserves, budgeting for

capital expenditures, endowments,

Are you actively developing a donor base that gives because they believe in the mission of your school?

When is the last time you held a capital campaign?

Do you offer need based financial aid? If so, how do you determine the family aide?

Where does the $$$$come from?

Engage in strategic and strategicfinancial planning. 01

Make resourcing the mission a priority in your planning 02

01Curricular enhancements (study 21st century school literature, ISM Stability Markers)

03Your teachers are the key to making your school strong – are you willing to release ineffective faculty and those who may not be mission appropriate for any reason? Focus on hiring, induction and professional development.

02 Faculty compensation

04Facility enhancements (note –the first two are MUCH more important)

03If you are a church-sponsored school, what are you doing to develop a positive relationship with your church leaders and congregation? When there is a change in leadership, are you in a place to impact choices?

02Is your school the best kept secret in town? If so, it is nothing to brag about. Do you have a marketing plan? Is this part of your annual budget?

01If your board is resisting….do your homework and make a strong case why things need a critical look.