Progress Highlights

The 2005 adoption of Lutheran Schools of America has elevated among us the vital importance of Christian elementary schools within our ELS. Perhaps the most frequently cited emphasis focuses upon the most important thing of all; namely, the expanded mission and evangelistic outreach opportunities a Christian school provides for a congregation. The original LSA goal of starting two schools per year appears also to be on track for the present and into the immediate years to come.

The LSA Board has paid much attention to the issue of tuition, both among new schools as well as current ELS schools. LSA looks at the calculated cost-per-pupil figure and is seeking ways of supporting “needy” families with scholarship funds. LSA emphasizes this issue as one of “school sustainability,” bringing students in without a heavy financial burden.

We are also hearing more frequent conversations about the importance of academic excellence within our schools. We know with certainty that community mothers and fathers are seeking private/Christian schools that have developed a reputation for excellence. The creation of a “Classical Christian curriculum” continues to be among the highest priorities of LSA as a foundation from which to build increasing levels of academic achievement.

LSA praises God that Bethany Lutheran College has been newly recognized and commended for its ability to train professional educators for service in our public schools and our Lutheran schools alike—and in increasing numbers! We are also thankful for the efforts of our synod’s Board for Stewardship in creating and administering our “For You and Your Children” campaign to develop financial support for the mission of LSA. All members of the ELS who love God and Christian education and support its outcomes are earnestly urged to pray for the goals of LSA and to offer personal, generous charitable gifts in support of its mission.

School Starts and Expansions

The LSA goal of starting two new schools per year is an exciting educational renewal effort that has inspired many of our congregations to prayerfully consider starting a school. Some of them have done so with minimal LSA counsel or with little-or-no dependence upon LSA financial investments. Other congregations remain highly dependent upon significant levels of immediate LSA financial support. In both situations, the leadership, teamwork, and financial support displayed by our ELS pastors, teachers, and so many faithful laymen and laywomen has been remarkable! The following is a listing of ELS congregations who have moved ahead in faith in ’06-’07 school year.

• Peace- Kissimmee , FL – expanded PK* to PK-1; broke ground in February 2007 for new church and school addition.

• Family of God-Ft. Mohave, AZ – expanded PK to K; plans for 1^st grade in 2007; and is designing a new school building

• Grace- Vero Beach, FL – started a PK program and is building preschool building

• Hope-West Jordan, UT – expanded PK to K; February 2007 approval to build new school building

• Redeeming Grace-Rogers, MN – new home mission starting day care program leading into PK and beyond.

• Our Savior-Naples, FL – started a large expansion of PK program with plans to expand its facilities.

• Christ-Pt. St. Lucie, FL – successful PK; seeking zoning approval for a potential school expansion

• Gloria Dei -Cold Spring, MN – voted in January 2007 to start PK and renovate current facilities

• Abiding Word-Cottage Grove, WI – considering new PK program in its newly completed church facilities.

* PK means “Preschool and Kindergarten”

LSA Board of Directors

The 2006 election of the first LSA Board of Directors has brought together nine dedicated lay, teacher, and clergy representatives of our synod who are passionate about the outcomes of Christian education. The work of the Board is now divided among three action committees: Finance, Marketing, and Education. Principal Curt Mantey and Prof. Silas Born bring to the Board the wisdom and experiences of the synod’s former Board for Education and Youth. President Moldstad’s advisory role to the board has been exceptionally supportive.

Michael Butterfield is President of the Lutheran Schools of America.