STRATEGIC PLAN
Submitted to the Board of Directors August 2017
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FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
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 36th 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:
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We value quality Christian education.
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We value faithfulness to God’s Word and the Lutheran Confessions.
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We value excellence for all areas of school life.
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We value developing and modeling Christian character.
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We value a caring and nurturing community.
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We value servant leadership in service for others.
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We value establishing and fostering respectful relationships.
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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.
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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.
1 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.
2016-2017 School Year Accomplishments ü
Enrolled a total of 341 students.
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Hosted 80 student shadows and 23 tours of family members throughout the year.
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Visited each Association congregation’s confirmation class before October 2016.
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Hosted two Open Houses and a Future Freshman Day for 8th grade students.
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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.
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Cultivated relationships with prospective families through on-campus events including Future Cougar Nights, a drama matinee for middle school-aged students, St. Nick Night, and Summer Camps.
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Implemented an Enrollment Calendar to effectively time announcements, mailings, events, etc.
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Developed an Enrollment Plan specific to the critical targets.
ü Accomplished the goal of enrolling 60% of Association school 8th graders. ü Exceed the goal of enrolling 86 freshmen by enrolling 32 additional community students for a total of 100 freshmen. ü Enhanced the shadow experience for prospective students by writing follow-up notes to each student shadow. ü Reviewed and consolidated August activity days (Orientation and Freshman Retreat) to one event.
2017-2018 School Year Goals Ø
Review and potentially make changes to Future Freshman Day to increase Association school attendance and community interest.
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Evaluate opportunities for off-campus recruitment and the potential to add personnel.
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Evaluate opportunities with on campus recruitment duties and the potential need to add student assistant help.
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Manage and evaluate the new outreach-focused school website in regards to recruitment and marketing.
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Develop a calendar of onsite events hosted by LHS and implement strategies to make an impact and impression on future students and families attending those events.
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Track and project future student enrollment for the next five years.
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Enroll 60% of Association school 8 graders.
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Enroll additional community students to reach the goal of 110 freshmen.
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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.
2016-2017 School Year Accomplishments ü
Inducted 50 new members into the National Honor Society, bringing the total number of upperclassmen in NHS to 123.
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The Class of 2017 scored an average of 25.5 on the ACT.
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Continued implementation of the Curriculum Review Cycle that includes preparing for integrating new courses into the curriculum for 2017-2018.
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Introduced online courses into the curriculum.
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Implemented the Cougar Honors Academy program.
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Offered ACT test prep classes after school on campus.
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Implemented a mentoring program for new teachers.
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Evaluated student spiritual life experiences.
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Faculty participated in a book study of Grading Smarter, Not Harder by Byron Dunner.
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The student body participated in several school-wide service projects, surpassing its goals for donations.
2017-2018 School Year Goals Ø
Implement new courses: Digital Arts, Economics, and Algebra 3.
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Implement Personal Finance as an online course using flex scheduling.
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Offer Prime Time workshops for ACT test prep.
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Evaluate instructional technology and create a plan for instructional technology upgrades to be implemented in 2018-2019.
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Engage faculty and staff in community service opportunities.
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Continue Curriculum Review Cycle in the areas of English, Physical Education & Health.
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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.
2016-2017 School Year Accomplishments ü
Continued Student of the Month program to recognize students.
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Continued Academic Watch List and Homework Hotel.
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Received A+ Program designation beginning with the Class of 2017.
2017-2018 School Year Goals Ø
Refine procedures for the A+ program.
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Provide comprehensive and individualized college and career guidance service for students.
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Train and equip student leaders to facilitate a small group experience that is purposeful and engaging.
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Expand and enhance Student Services offerings.
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Develop programs to improve interpersonal skills and character development of students.
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Create a formalized acceptance program for international students.
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Research and develop a program to teach conflict management skills.
4 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.
2016-2017 School Year Accomplishments ü
Refurbished and renovated the locker rooms and weight room.
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Refurbished and renovated both Commons restrooms.
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Refurbished and renovated Room 202.
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Repainted athletic hallway.
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Developed a plan for turf field maintenance (soccer/football).
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Replaced Commons Lobby furniture to be consistent with Main Lobby furniture.
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Improved the infrastructure of technology with new data points and doubled bandwidth capability.
2017-2018 School Year Goals Ø
Install an LED sign along Mexico Road.
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Refurbish and renovate Room 201.
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Update the Commons lighting with more efficient bulbs.
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Replace the main office door.
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Trim trees around the creek and bury HVAC piping.
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Power wash and paint various exterior parts around the building.
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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.
2016-2017 School Year Accomplishments ü
Developed a Technology Aide program to identify technology-gifted students who will assist the Director of Technology and teachers in set up of equipment, etc.
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Determined the appropriate amount of increased bandwidth for LHS for the next three years (200 MB), including a VOIP phone system.
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Implemented a gymnasium video recording system for live-streaming events.
2017-2018 School Year Goals Ø
Evaluate current Instructional Technology procedures and practices and develop a recommendation by September 30, 2017 for improvements and upgrades as needed.
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Develop a recommendation for additional equipment necessary to meet educational needs for Library/Media Center.
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Develop a recommendation for the best solution for an SIS/LMS/Development System that is cost effective and allows for single sign for implementation in 2018-2019.
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Recommend a portable, Wi-Fi based video recording system for the stadium and other areas as needed for implementation in 2018-19.
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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 extra-curricular program in which the well-rounded development of the student is cultivated.
2016-2017 School Year Accomplishments ü
Developed a self-funding model for athletics and activities to be used in the future.
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Developed a job description and hired a part time Assistant Activities Director.
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Increased hours of activities administrative assistant.
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Developed a strategy for increasing school enrollment in alignment with our feeder programs
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Continued sponsorship with Nike for athletic apparel to our students. Increased this exposure with elementary students, families, and our feeder programs.
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Revised job description and duties for Athletic/Activities Development Director
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Continued to add highly qualified coaches to the program to be commensurate with like-schools (conference, area)
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Booster Club began support of programs at Lutheran High
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Developed new internal procedures for summer camps (enrollment, finances, etc.)
2017-2018 School Year Goals Ø
Continue to merge Activities Director role with advancement department to institute the role of Director of Development and Student Activities.
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Hire a full-time athletic trainer (25 hours).
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Introduce a “Cougar Pass” which provides admission to all contests and events at LHS, not solely regular season athletic events (non-tournament).
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Begin a self-funding model for Activities.
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Continue sponsorship with Nike (BSN Sports) for student athletic apparel.
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Add highly qualified coaches to the program to be commensurate with similar schools.
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Develop procedures and funding for a comprehensive program for feeder teams in Association schools.
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Investigate possibility and fiscal responsibility of two school vehicles to be used by teams.
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Increase game attendance of current faculty/staff, future Cougars, alumni and the community.
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DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The Head of School, Director of Development and Director of Events developed this plan. The Head of School will oversee its implementation.
2016-2017 School Year Accomplishments ü
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The Annual Fund goal was to raise $200,000. Total third source income as of June 30 was $202,943. •
Trivia Night net income = $19,342 (goal = $18,000).
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Annual Appeal and Unrestricted funds donations = $80,945 (goal = $61,000).
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Cougar Dinner = did not have (goal = $10,000).
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Jog-A-Thon net income = $7,311 (goal = $11,000).
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Golf Outing net income = $14,345 (goal = $11,000).
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Community Sponsorships = $14,670 (goal = $35,000).
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Other income = $63,901 (goal = $49,000).
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Additional gifts: $95,000 from estate gifts.
Created an all-encompassing sponsorship program.
2017-2018 School Year Goals Ø
Raise $270,000 for the Annual Fund: •
Annual Appeal and Unrestricted funds donations goal: $59,000
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Trivia Night goal: $15,000
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Sapphire Affair goal: $75,000
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Cougar Dinner goal: $10,000
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Golf Outing goal: $15,000
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New Initiative goal: $15,000
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Community Sponsorships goal: $35,000
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Other income goal: $46,000
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Create campaign plan to fund an additional capital expenses.
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Institute an all-encompassing sponsorship program.
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COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
The Head of School and Communications Coordinator developed this plan. The Coordinator will be responsible for the plan’s implementation.
2016-2017 School Year Accomplishments ü
Published an Annual Report in September 2016.
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Published the Strategic Plan and quarterly updates.
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Visited each Association congregation and school at least once during the year.
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Redesigned the website with a greater focus on promoting LHS.
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Piloted a Communications Aide internship program to engage a student in assisting with communication tasks.
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Engaged the services of graphic designers to produce professional quality publicity materials.
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Planned and implemented a Career Fair, enlisting the help of alumni to serve as speakers.
2017-2018 School Year Goals Ø
Develop the Lutheran High School brand with an updated logo and graphic identity standards.
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Develop a strategic plan for how to best utilize social media.
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Regularly submit press releases and notice of upcoming events to local news media.
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Increase communications with local non-LCMS Lutheran and Christian churches.
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Increase the use of students, alumni, and parents in assisting with communications tasks.
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Hire an Alumni Coordinator to maintain an alumni database, publish quarterly newsletters and maintain the alumni section of the web site, assist classes in planning reunions, and assist the Head of School in planning fundraising strategies geared towards alumni.
9 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.
2016-2017 School Year Accomplishments ü
Completed an Accountant’s Review report for the 2015-2016 fiscal year.
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Completed year four of the funding model with Association churches.
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Explored investment opportunities in keeping with Board policies.
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The Head of School and Accounts Manager began developing a comprehensive accounting manual that includes procedures for greater internal control.
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Budgeted for six fewer students than projected.
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Refinanced bonds with conventional loan through LCEF.
2017-2018 School Year Goals Ø
Complete an Accountant’s Compilation report for the 2016-2017 fiscal year.
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Complete year five of the funding model with Association churches.
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Review Association Churches Funding Model (2017-18 Fiscal Year).
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Invest appropriate funds in keeping with Board policies.
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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.
2016-2017 School Year Accomplishments ü
Board policies reviewed and revised included: 2.4.5.3; 2.4.5.4; 2.4.5.5; 2.4.5.6; 2.6.2; 2.6.3; 2.7.1.1; 2.7.2.1.2; 2.7.2.2.5; 2.7.2.1.3; 2.7.2.3.3; By-law 5:1.
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Other Board action included: •
Developed a survey and review process for Board adherence to policies.
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Continued to explore the use of committees in correlation with the strategic targets of June 2019.
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Directors up after 2016-2017: East Churches: Immanuel St. Charles, Our Savior, Trinity.
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Approved 2016-2017 goals for Dr. Ernstmeyer.
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Used an evaluation tool for the CEO (Head of School) that fully integrated the job description.
2017-2018 School Year Goals Ø
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Board policies to review include: •
Governance processes
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Board-Management Delegations
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Executive Limitations
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Ends policies
Other Board action to include: •
Approve 2017-2018 goals for Dr. Ernstmeyer.
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Identify current tools used to assess the effectiveness of the school.
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Develop a systemic process to evaluate the effectiveness of the school.
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Determine feasibility of a capital campaign using the Steier Group to complete the study.
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Use the results of the feasibility study to determine goals for a capital campaign.
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Use results of the campaign and response from churches to determine building project.
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Explore use of various committees in correlation with the strategic targets of June 2019.
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Review Association Churches Funding Model (2017-18 Fiscal Year).
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Use an evaluation tool for the CEO (Head of School) that fully integrates the job description.
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Directors up after 2017-2018: West Churches: Holy Cross, Immanuel Wentzville, Messiah.