STRATEGIC PLAN
Submitted to the Board of Directors May 2016
Lutheran High School of St. Charles County
Dear Friends of Lutheran High School, Since 1982, God has blessed the ministry of Lutheran High School. The school, in turn, has been a great blessing to many young people and their families, its employees and volunteers, its community, and the Church. As LHS commences this 34th school year, we continue to be committed to our mission of providing top quality, Christ-centered education. This updated document celebrates the past and present strengths of the "Cougar Family.� At the same time, it strives to provide a vision for the school's future. Drawing from its rich traditions of the past, LHS experienced an unprecedented period of growth over the years. The current economic recession and shifting demographic trends challenge our schools in stimulating and troubling ways. LHS must plan carefully and creatively to build upon its reputation as an institution of excellence. Strategic planning is a journey, not a destination. This document provides a philosophical foundation and multi-year projections that we believe will guide LHS to even greater service and stability. Be cautioned, however, that this plan is not intended to be an all-encompassing, inflexible blueprint for the coming years. Lutheran High School’s Strategic Plan is a living document--to be divided and distributed as an annual "game plan" to the individuals and groups responsible for implementation; to be implemented, debated, altered, or rejected; to be reviewed on an annual basis for accountability; to be amended as new conditions arise; to be updated annually to maintain a fresh planning horizon. Many people were involved with this process. Along the way, input was received from the Delegates, Board of Directors, Standing Committees, Department Chairpersons, faculty, parents, students and other constituents. We are pleased to present this plan as the next step in an on-going process to develop the ministry at Lutheran High School to its greatest potential. May God continue to bless our plans to His glory! In His Service, Dr. Craig Ernstmeyer Head of School
Mission Empowered by the gospel of Jesus Christ, Lutheran High School nurtures spiritual, academic and personal growth, equipping students for lives of Christian service.
Core Values
The core belief of Lutheran High School is a firm belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Resurrected Savior. This core belief establishes for Lutheran High School these core values: We value quality Christian education. We value faithfulness to God’s Word and the Lutheran Confessions. We value excellence for all areas of school life. We value developing and modeling Christian character. We value a caring and nurturing community. We value servant leadership in service for others. We value establishing and fostering respectful relationships. We value an environment of innovation and discovery.
Vision Statement We envision utilizing God’s blessings in partnership with our families, congregations and community to be a dynamic leader in academic excellence and Christian service.
Critical Targets Critical Target 1: Lutheran High School will enroll 400 students by June 2019. Critical Target 2: The average ACT score of Lutheran High School’s class of 2019 will be 26. Critical Target 3: Lutheran High School will update the funding model to ensure a cost manageable by the Association by June 2019. Critical Target 4: Lutheran High School will improve the campus to provide an innovative environment by June 2019.
Student Enrollment Plan The Head of School and Director of Enrollment developed this plan. The Director will oversee its implementation. The overall strategic plan goal is to enroll 400 students by the 2018-2019 school year. 2015-2016 School Year Accomplishments Ø Enrolled a total of 335 students. Ø Evaluated the new admission process implemented during the Ø Prospective students were identified 2013-2014 academic year by utilizing enrollment lists from our surveying new LHS families in the Association grade schools and fall of 2015 and interviewing staff church membership lists, sibling who helped implement the new data, a database of past student procedures. shadows, Open House attendees, and community contacts.
Ø Visited each Association congregation’s confirmation class before October 2015. Ø Hosted two Open Houses and a Future Freshman Day for 8th grade students. Ø An administrator and/or current LHS students visited each Association school at least four times throughout the school year through personal classroom visits, lunches with grade school students, chapel messages, Back to School Nights, etc. Ø Cultivated relationships with prospective families through oncampus events, including Future Cougar Nights, a drama matinee for middle school-aged students, a Robotics Open House, St. Nick Night, and Summer Camps.
Ø Implemented a new Open House strategy by adding a November Open House to our already established Future Freshman Day and Chili Dinner.
Ø Hosted elementary and middle school students through various activities including athletic tournaments, scholar bowl competitions, a geography bee and a fine arts festival. Ø Reached out to students in the St. Charles County community by attending and sponsoring nonLutheran school related activities such as benefits, auctions, and fundraisers.
2016-2017 School Year Goals Ø Implement an Enrollment Calendar of activities and announcements to help appropriately time announcements, mailings, events, etc. Ø Maintain an Admissions data base and use tracking software to manage contacts. Ø Maintain Admissions link on website. Ø Develop an Enrollment Plan specific to the critical targets.
Ø Project and track future student enrollment for the next five years. Ø Enroll 60% of our Association school students. Ø Enroll additional community students to reach the goal of 100 freshman students. Ø Enhance the shadow experience for prospective students. Ø Review and make potential changes to New Student Orientation and Freshman Retreat.
Academic Plan The Head of School and Principal developed this plan. The Principal will be responsible for the plan’s implementation. The overall strategic plan goal is that Lutheran High School’s Class of 2019 will score an average of 26 on the ACT. 2015-2016 School Year Accomplishments Ø Implemented a new Curriculum Ø Faculty participated in book studies Review Cycle. of How the Brain Works and How Children Succeed. Ø Implemented new small group format for spiritual life development.
Ø Incorporated area pastors and DCE’s into chapel services. Ø Completed Crisis Management Handbook. Ø Created a plan to implement the Cougar Honors Academy in 20162017. Ø Increased spiritual growth activities for faculty through Bible study. Ø Completed Faculty Evaluation process. Ø Completed the evaluation process for the Director of Student Services.
Ø The student body participated in several school-wide service projects, surpassing its goals for donations. Ø Thirty-five new members were inducted into the National Honor Society. A total of 108 upperclassmen are members of NHS. Ø The Class of 2015 scored an average of 25.2 on the ACT. Ø Five new dual-credit courses were added to the curriculum, bringing the total number of dual-credit offerings to 17 courses or 54 hours.
2016-2017 School Year Goals Ø Continue implementation of Curriculum Review Cycle that includes adding new courses to the curriculum for 2017-2018. Ø Introduce online courses into the curriculum. Ø Evaluate and refine spiritual life experiences for students.
Ø Implement Cougar Honors Academy. Ø Develop a formal PrimeTime program for students in grades 9 and 10. Ø Implement ACT test prep strategies into the regular school day.
Student Services Plan The Head of School, Principal and Director of Student Services developed this plan. The Director of Student Services will be responsible for the plan’s implementation. 2015-2016 School Year Accomplishments Ø Continued “Student of the Month” program to recognize students. Ø Continued the Academic Watch List and Homework Hotel programs.
Ø Reviewed RenWeb and Blackbaud school information systems as possible replacements for PowerSchool but chose to stay with PowerSchool. Ø Identified potential areas of improvement for Student Services.
2016-2017 School Year Goals Ø Expand and enhance Student Services offerings. Ø Develop programs to improve interpersonal skills and character development of students. Ø Create a formalized acceptance program for international students.
Ø Research and develop a program to teach conflict management skills. Ø Research and develop a plan to implement online class offerings. Ø Research food service program options in an effort to improve the dietary options for students.
Campus and Equipment Plan The Director of Activities, Head of Maintenance, Principal and Head of School developed this plan. The Director of Activities will be responsible for most of the plan’s implementation. The overall strategic plan goal in this area is that LHS will improve the campus to provide an innovative environment by June 2019. 2015-2016 School Year Accomplishments Ø Added two new whiteboards to classrooms. Ø Established a Planning/Building Committee.
Ø Met with M & H Architects to develop a comprehensive campus expansion/repurposing plan to: •
Address the needs of an aging facility and prepare for growth in programs and student population.
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Create a timetable and specific objectives to be met which may include new parking lot overlay and striping; new landscaping; a reconfiguration of space; and classroom, office, and commons restroom remodeling.
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Focus on upgrades to improve campus “curb appeal.”
Ø Assessed current and future plant needs and wants. Ø Developed an Aesthetics Committee to work with Planning/Building Committee on improving classroom space.
2016-2017 School Year Goals Ø Refurbish and renovate the locker rooms and weight room Ø Refurbish and renovate both Commons restrooms. Ø Refurbish and renovate Room 202. Ø Repair outdoor shed with new gutters and overhead door.
Ø Replace Commons Lobby furniture to match Main Lobby furniture. Ø Install a permanent gate outside of Room 201 to limit access to rest of building. Ø Improve the technology infrastructure with new data points and bandwidth capability.
Technology Plan The Head of School, Principal, Director of Technology and the Technology Committee developed this plan. The Director will be responsible for the plan’s implementation. 2015-2016 School Year Accomplishments Ø Explored use of free web-based Ø Explored online class offerings. storage that may be needed beyond Ø Explored a replacement of the the use of eBackpack. telephone system. Ø Explored ongoing education of Digital Citizenship with our students.
2016-2017 School Year Goals Ø Develop a Technology Aide program to allow technologically gifted students to assist the Director of Technology and teachers in set up of equipment, etc. Ø Determine the appropriate amount of increased bandwidth for the next three years including a VOIP phone system.
Ø Determine the best solution for classrooms to deliver video and other visual/audio content to students. Ø Explore a gymnasium video recording system to be implemented in 2017-2018 and apply for applicable grants.
Activities Plan The Head of School and the Director of Activities developed this plan. The Director will be responsible for the plan’s implementation. The key goal in the area of activities is to develop an exemplary extracurricular program in which the well-rounded development of the student is cultivated. 2015-2016 School Year Accomplishments Ø Formed a Booster Club. Ø Increased game attendance of current faculty/staff, future Cougars, Ø Hired assistant varsity coaches for alumni and the community. higher profile sports. Ø Implemented a fee structure for all non-athletic activity programs. Ø Developed a comprehensive program and procedures for feeder teams in our Association schools.
Ø Hired a Strength and Conditioning Coach to develop an allencompassing performance program. Ø Secured funds for a 15 passenger van for activity transportation.
2016-2017 School Year Goals Ø Develop a comprehensive selffunding model for athletics and activities. Ø Hire a part-time Assistant Activities Director. Ø Increase hours of Activities Administrative Assistant. Ø Develop a strategy to increase school enrollment through our athletic/activity feeder programs.
Ø Continue our sponsorship with Nike for student athletic apparel and increase this exposure with elementary students, families, and our feeder programs. Ø Revise job description and duties for Athletic/Activities Development Director. Ø Continue to add highly qualified coaches to the program to be competitive with similar schools.
Development Plan The Head of School developed this plan. The Head of School will oversee its implementation. 2015-2016 School Year Accomplishments The Annual Fund goal was to raise $191,500. Total third source income as of June 30 was $234,368. Ø Trivia Night net income = $10,355 (goal = $8,000). Ø Annual Appeal and Unrestricted funds donations = $48,477 (goal = $32,000). Ø The Sapphire Affair net income = $86,126 (goal = $75,000). Ø Jog-A-Thon net income = $8,371 (goal = $18,000). Ø Golf Classic net income = $14,982 (goal = $10,000). Ø Other income = $66,057 (goal = $35,500). Ø Additional gifts: $200,000 for locker and weight room renovation.
2016-2017 School Year Goals Ø Raise $186,000 for the Annual Fund: •
Annual Appeal, Unrestricted funds, memorials, matching gifts goal: $61,000
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Trivia Night goal: $15,000
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Sapphire Affair (no event in 2016-2017; continue in November 2017)
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Cougar Dinner goal: $10,000
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Golf Classic goal: $11,000
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Jog-A-Thon goal: $15,000
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Community Sponsorships goal: $35,000
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Other income goal: $39,000
Ø Create plan to fund additional capital expenses.
Communications Plan The Head of School and Communications Coordinator developed this plan. The Coordinator will be responsible for the plan’s implementation. 2015-2016 School Year Accomplishments Ø Published an Annual Report for Ø Purchased advertising space in local 2014-2015. news magazine. Ø Published the Strategic Plan and quarterly updates. Ø Implemented a weekly email newsletter to current families. Ø Visited each Association congregation and school at least once during the year. Ø Sponsored events at Association congregations and schools.
Ø Promoted Cougar Family BBQ to alumni and Association congregations. Ø Created Alumni Contact Information Form on web site. Ø Increased use of Twitter and Facebook to publicize upcoming events, accomplishments, and other news.
2016-2017 School Year Goals Ø Redesign web site with a greater focus on promoting LHS. Ø Develop a strategic plan for how to best utilize social media. Ø Regularly submit press releases and notice of upcoming events to local news media.
Ø Increase communications with local non-LCMS Lutheran and Christian churches. Ø Develop the Lutheran High brand with an updated logo and graphic identity standards. Ø Increase the use of students, alumni, and parents in assisting with communications tasks.
Financial Management Plan The Head of School developed this plan and will oversee its implementation. The overall strategic plan goal in this area is that LHS will update the funding model to ensure a cost manageable by the Association by June 2019. 2015-2016 School Year Accomplishments Ø Completed an Accountant’s Ø Reviewed and updated employee Compilation report for the 2014compensation package offerings 2015 fiscal year. (health, tuition assistance, etc.). Ø Completed year three of the funding model with Association churches.
Ø Refinanced bonds with conventional loan through LCEF.
Ø Implemented online tuition payments using FACTS.
Ø Increased the base salary for faculty to the Missouri District recommended amount.
Ø Reviewed tuition and fees policies and procedures. Ø Budgeted for eight fewer students than projected.
Ø Increased administrative stipends to be more consistent with other Lutheran high schools.
2016-2017 School Year Goals Ø Complete an Accountant’s Compilation report for the 20152016 fiscal year. Ø Complete year four of the funding model with Association churches. Ø Explore investment opportunities in keeping with Board policies.
Ø The Head of School will work with the Accounts Manager and a CPA to develop a comprehensive accounting manual that includes procedures for greater internal control.
Governance Plan The following plan deals with the governance of Lutheran High School. Development and implementation of this plan is the responsibility of Board of Directors President and the Head of School. 2015-2016 School Year Accomplishments Board policies reviewed and revised Ø Approved 2015-2016 goals for Dr. included: 2.3.3.1; 2.3.3.2; 2.8.1; 2.8.4; Ernstmeyer. 2.8.5; 2.9.2; 2.9.4; 2.9.7. Ø Used an evaluation tool for the Head Other Board action included:
Ø Refinanced the loan from bonds to a conventional loan. Ø Created an ad hoc committee to study how enrollment trends could impact the campus.
of School that fully integrated the job description.
2016-2017 School Year Goals Ø Board policies to review include governance processes, board-management delegations, executive limitations, ends policies. Ø Other Board actions to include: •
Approve 2016-2017 goals for Dr. Ernstmeyer.
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Develop a systematic review process for their adherence to policies.
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Identify current tools used to assess the effectiveness of the school.
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Develop a systematic process to evaluate the effectiveness of the school.
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Explore the use of various committees in correlation with the strategic targets of June 2019.
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Use an evaluation tool for the Head of School that fully integrates the job description.
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Directors up after 2016-2017: Immanuel St. Charles, Our Savior, Trinity