LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL STRATEGIC PLAN 2018-2019
A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR LUTHERAN HIGH 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 37th 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 allencompassing, 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 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 a 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.
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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.
2017-2018 Accomplishments üü Enrolled a total of 345 students in 20172018. üü Enrolled 31 additional community students to exceed the goal of 86 freshmen (102 actual freshmen). üü Enrolled 52% of Association 8th grade students (goal was 60%). üü Hosted 103 student shadows and 25 tours of family members throughout the year. üü Implemented an Enrollment Calendar to effectively time announcements, mailings, events, etc. üü Developed an Enrollment Plan specific to the critical targets. üü Reviewed and made changes to Future Freshman Day. üü Evaluated the opportunities with offcampus recruitment and the potential to add personnel. üü Evaluated the opportunities with oncampus recruitment duties and the need to add student assistant help. üü Developed a calendar of on-site events hosted by LHS and strategies to make an impact and impression on future students and families at those events.
2018-2019 School Year Goals Provide 2 opportunities on campus for new student orientation before school starts in August. Provide a designated time to communicate the Cougar Way to all new students. Host a non-athletic event for K-6 grade students during the school year. Identify ambassadors and provide them with information (6 community, 6 Lutheran) to share. Enroll 60% of Association school 8th graders. Enroll additional community students to reach the goal of 110 freshman students in 2019-2020.
2 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. [ ] denotes an NLSA Indicator marked as deficient in the 2014 NLSA Report that has been addressed. 2017-2018 Accomplishments üü Implemented three new courses: Digital Arts, Economics, and Algebra 3. üü Implemented new curriculum in the Old Testament class to increase application and spiritual growth. üü Implemented Personal Finance as an online course using flex scheduling. üü Evaluated technology and created a plan for instructional technology upgrades with implementation in 2018-2019. üü Faculty participated in Professional Development based on the film “Most Likely to Succeed.” üü Completed curriculum review for the English, Physical Education and Health departments. üü Expanded the LASE program to include two full-time teachers and a part-time administrator.
2018-2019 School Year Goals Implement two new courses: Project Lead the Way Intro to Engineering and Principles of Engineering. Renew NLSA, NCA, MNPSAA accreditations for the 2019-2023 cycle. Hire a part-time Technology Integration Coordinator to assist teachers with technology in classrooms. Lead a faculty and staff service day within the community. [2B:17] Complete curriculum review in the Practical Arts department. Complete lockdown and active killer drills in addition to regular fire and tornado drills. Ensure that all teachers acquire their Missouri Teaching certification. [4:04]
3 STUDENT SERVICES PLAN The Principal developed this plan. The Principal will be responsible for the plan’s implementation. [ ] denotes an NLSA Indicator marked as deficient in the 2014 NLSA Report that will be addressed. 2017-2018 Accomplishments üü Established an A+ program coordinator. üü Hosted parent meetings for all grade levels regarding academic guidance topics and college admissions. üü Completed the scheduling process for 2018-2019 prior to May 1. üü Accessed National Student Clearinghouse data to monitor the academic progress of LHS alumni. üü Facilitated the selection of two junior males and two females for Missouri Boys and Girls State.
2018-2019 School Year Goals Review the needs of students and provide a recommendation to the Principal to meet these needs. Provide individualized college and career guidance service for students. Intentionally train student leaders, equipping them to facilitate a small group experience that is purposeful and engaging through at least two new initiatives. [2C:25] Create a formalized acceptance program for international students. Educate parents monthly on social and personal topics that teens may encounter.
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. 2017-2018 Accomplishments üü Refurbished and renovated Room 201. üü Trimmed trees around the creek and buried HVAC piping. üü Power washed and painted various exterior parts of the building.
2018-2019 School Year Goals Refurbish and renovate the Library/ Media Center’s Computer lab into a general education classroom. Repair back shed to ensure safety and functionality.
üü Installed a LED sign on Mexico Road.
Complete Phase 1 in the expansion of LHS.
üü Updated Commons lighting with more efficient bulbs.
Complete bridge work by painting and adding a gate to the school side.
üü Replaced the main office door.
Implement safety symbols and tools in line with the Crisis Management Plan.
5 TECHNOLOGY PLAN The Head of School, Principal, Director of Technology and the Technology Committee developed this plan. The Director of Technology will be responsible for the plan’s implementation.
2017-2018 Accomplishments üü Evaluated current Instructional Technology Procedures & Practices and developed a recommendation for improvements and upgrades as warranted. These included: • Hire an Instructional Technology Coach • Assemble a mobile cart of 25-30 laptops that are accessible for all classes üü Explored the possibility of additional equipment necessary to meet educational needs for Library/Media Center. üü Installed a WiFi based video recording system for the stadium that includes video equipment (with memory card, tripod), OBS software and a laptop.
2018-2019 School Year Goals Adopt a part time Technology Integration Coordinator to assist teachers with technology in the classroom. Evaluate network authentication systems for user sign on that is cross platform and develop a recommendation. Develop an implementation plan coordinated with the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) instructor for best practices and use of technology equipment for the STEM lab. Determine the equipment needed for the live stream recording system for the new gym and develop a recommendation. Upgrade the phone system to integrate digital technology. Increase bandwidth from 200 MB to 500 MB. Determine and dedicate bandwidth needed for live stream to provide priority to these events. Monitor plant expansion plans to determine any additional technology needs.
6 ACTIVITIES PLAN The Head of School and the Director of Activities developed this plan. The Director of Activities 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. 2017-2018 Accomplishments
2018-2019 School Year Goals
üü Continued to merge the Director of Activities role with the development department to institute the role of Director of Development and Student Activities.
Develop a program for our coaching staff of faith integration in conjunction with “Positive Coaching.”
üü Hired a “full-time” athletic trainer (25 hours).
Develop leadership and infrastructure for feeder teams.
üü Introduced a “Cougar pass” which provides admission to all contests and events at LHS.
Increase game attendance of current faculty/staff, future Cougars, alumni, and the community.
üü Instituted an all-encompassing sponsorship program.
Model communication/information flow between off-campus coaches and LHS administration.
üü Developed procedures and funding for a comprehensive program for feeder teams. üü Investigated the possibility of two school vehicles to be used by teams (did not deem it currently feasible). üü Redesigned the mentoring program for new coaches/directors/leaders. üü Evaluated potential new programs, resulting in the development of a new girls’ tennis program.
Institute a try-out policy for all levels of all sports.
Revise the bylaws and operations for the Booster Club.
7 DEVELOPMENT PLAN The Head of School, Director of Development and Director of Events developed this plan. The Head of School will oversee its implementation.
2017-2018 Accomplishments üü The Annual Fund goal was to raise $270,000. Total raised as of June 30 was $202,943. Sapphire Affair Dinner Auction Goal $75,000 (net $63,349) Trivia Night Goal $15,000 (net $19,342) Annual Appeal/Unrestricted funds Goal $59,000 (net $80,945) Golf Outing Goal $15,000 (net $14,345) Community Sponsorships Goal $35,000 (net $20,514) Cougar Dinner Goal $10,000 (nvent not held) New Initiative Goal $15,000 (no new initiative) Other income Goal $46,000 (net $24,038) üü Planned and implemented the Reach campaign plan to fund capital expenses totaling $5.5 million. üü Instituted an all-encompassing sponsorship program.
2018-2019 School Year Goals Raise $219,000 for the Annual Fund: Sapphire Affair Dinner Auction Goal $75,000 Trivia Night Goal $12,000 Annual Appeal/Unrestricted funds Goal $46,000 Golf Outing Goal $15,000 Community Sponsorships Goal $30,000 New Initiative Goal $15,000 Other income Goal $26,000 Continue to engage donor participation in the Reach campaign to attain the Challenge Goal level. Develop processes and procedures to accurately record and update constituent and alumni records, gift records, and development activities.
8 COMMUNICATIONS PLAN The Head of School and Communications Coordinator developed this plan. The Communications Coordinator will be responsible for the plan’s implementation. The goal is to generate increased awareness of Lutheran High School through a variety of different strategies.
2017-2018 Accomplishments üü Published an Annual Report in September 2017. üü Published the Strategic Plan and midyear update. üü Visited each Association congregation and school at least once during the year. üü Designed and launched Raiser’s Edge, a comprehensive fundraising and relationship management system. üü Coordinated all print and electronic communications for the Reach campaign. üü Implemented consistent graphic identity standards across all LHS departments with a standard logo and colors. üü Implemented policies for the use of social media to ensure consistency, timeliness and quality of posts. üü Utilized a student intern to complete and assist with various communication tasks.
2018-2019 School Year Goals Increase the use of social media to engage current and prospective members of the LHS community. Publish a bi-annual news magazine including the Annual Report. Send monthly email newsletters to all members of the LHS community.
9 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN The Head of School developed this plan. The Head of School 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.
2017-2018 Accomplishments
2018-2019 School Year Goals
üü Completed an Accountant’s Compilation report for the 2016-2017 fiscal year.
Complete an Accountant’s Compilation report for the 2017-2018 fiscal year.
üü Completed year five of the funding model with Association churches.
Invest appropriate funds in keeping with Board policies.
üü Reviewed Association Churches Funding Model. Approved maintaining receiving $300,000 from church assessments for the next three years.
Engage in a competitive short-term construction and/or bridge loan for the new addition.
10 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 (CGO) and the Head of School (CEO).
2017-2018 Accomplishments üü Board policies revised included: 2.1; 2.1.13; 2.1.15; 2.2.4; 2.3.3.4; 2.3.4.1; 2.3.4.5; 2.3.4.7; 2.4.2.1; 2.4.3.2; 2.6.2; 2.7.1.1; 2.9.7; 3.3.8; 3.4.2. üü Other Board action included: • Directors up after 2017-2018: West Churches: Holy Cross, Immanuel Wentzville, Messiah. • Approved 2017-2018 goals for Dr. Ernstmeyer. • Used an evaluation tool for the CEO (Head of School) that fully integrated the job description. • Assessed the current effectiveness of the school. • Determined feasibility of a capital campaign using the Steier group to complete the study. • Used the results of the feasibility study to determine goals for a capital campaign. • Used results of the campaign and response from churches to determine building project. • Reviewed Association Churches Funding Model and extended year five assessment for 3 additional years.
2018-2019 School Year Goals Board policies to review include: • Governance processes • Board-Management Delegations • Executive Limitations • Ends policies Other Board action to include: • Approve 2018-2019 goals for Dr. Ernstmeyer. • Use current tools used to assess the effectiveness of the school. • Develop a systemic process to evaluate the effectiveness of the school. • NLSA – Review the written mission statement for Lutheran High School. • NLSA – Review the Board policy manual content. • Use an evaluation tool for the CEO (Head of School) that fully integrates the job description • Directors up after 2018-2019: Central Churches: Chapel, Child of God, Zion.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11