Strategic Plan 2008 - 2013 Update

by Thomas DeJonge, Superintendent

At the May 19 meeting of the Grand Rapids Christian Schools’ Board of Trustees, the Strategic Planning Committee (described below) presented the 2008-2013 GRCS Strategic Plan for the Board’s preliminary review and discussion. The findings and recommendations contained in this plan reflect the strategic goals approved by the Board in August 2007. They are the product of a year of careful study of strategic issues facing the Schools and of various initiatives necessary to ensure the sustainability of Grand Rapids Christian Schools and the advancement of our mission.

The Strategic Planning Committee has found that, in order for Grand Rapids Christian Schools to remain a leader in Christian education in this community for generations to come, the organization must:

  1. Consolidate Creston, Evergreen, Millbrook, and Oakdale Christian Schools into one new regional elementary campus located within a six-mile radius of the majority of enrolled elementary families. It is estimated that this consolidation would reduce operational expenses by approximately $1 million per year.
  2. Use operational expense savings to reduce the tuition burden for families.
  3. Closely monitor Rockford Christian School’s operational expenses and enrollment growth.
  4. Embark on an aggressive advancement campaign that incorporates both fundraising and recruiting efforts designed to stabilize enrollment, eliminate debt, build endowment, pay for the new elementary campus, strengthen instructional programming, improve technology services, increase tuition scholarships, and generate community-wide enthusiasm for and understanding of Christian education at Grand Rapids Christian Schools.
  5. Strengthen relationships with local churches in order to enroll more families who desire a Christian education for their children.
  6. Implement academic and other improvements in early childhood, elementary, and middle school programs, including foreign language instruction, gifted and talented programs, and summer enrichment programs.
  7. Improve student faith formation through the development of clear faith practices and the formation of the Center for Christian Leadership, a department that enfolds strengthened spiritual, educational, guidance, and counseling services for all students.
  8. Develop specific strategies to build and support a socially, economically, and culturally diverse Christian school community.

The Grand Rapids Christian Schools’ administration hosted a series of Town Hall Meetings in late May and early June to share the Strategic Planning Committee’s recommendations with members of the Grand Rapids Christian Schools’ community. The Board is scheduled to vote on the recommendations on June 16.

About the Strategic Planning Committee

First convened by the Grand Rapids Christian Schools’ Board of Trustees in the fall of 2003 to develop a four-year strategic plan, the GRCS Strategic Planning Committee was reconvened by the Board in January 2007 to develop a strategic plan for 2008-2013. The committee consists of members of the Board of Trustees, administrative staff, and the superintendent.

In August 2007 the committee presented the Board of Trustees with six strategic goals and initiatives reflecting the organizational vision, along with recommendations for what must be accomplished to advance the vision. After approving this set of strategic initiatives in September 2007, the Board directed the superintendent to form community task forces to study each initiative and prepare reports and recommendations by early 2008. These task force reports formed the basis for the proposed 2008-2013 GRCS Strategic Plan.