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In 2004, Dutton Christian School (DCS) adopted new policy requiring a three year review cycle of the Long Range Strategic Plan (LRSP). In the fall of 2008, DCS formed a Long Range Strategic Planning Committee (LRSP) for this purpose. The committee consists of:
Jeff Boyd, Committee Chairperson
Stan Koster - Professional Strategic Planning Facilitator (outside)
Dan Netz
Bonnie Huyser
Dave Teitsma
Chris Stroobosscher
Renee Nieuwsma
Lynne VanderWall
Tom Hulst
Jim Hoekwater
This committee was tasked with evaluating the long-term viability of DCS through research. They gather information through DCS’ governing documents, parent surveys, discussions with local government officials, and other data that helps to paint a picture of what is happening within the school community (internally) and around the school community (externally). With this information compiled, they then plan a weekend retreat that also includes the school board and school circle members. Through a series of small and large group exercises led by an independent facilitator, key issues facing the school are identified.
Please note that of the key issues identified, several are more urgent and some are more long term in nature. The issues are listed in random order not necessarily by priority. The school board only just received these findings. Work to resolve some of them has already begun, and we will be formulating a strategy for responding to the others over the coming months. Based on the results of the LRSP retreat and the considering the recommendations of the LRSP committee members, the school board has adopted the following list of issues to address:
Critical Issue #1: Maintain or increase DCS enrollment by promoting DCS within our local geographic community. - As a result of the LRSP process, DCS should implement a deliberate, aggressive marketing and promotional campaign, in order to draw more Christian families from our local communities (Kentwood, Grand Rapids, Gaines/Dutton, Caledonia). The 2008-09 DCS enrollment figures indicate that DCS class sizes peaked in past several years, and may be entering a period of further decline in subsequent years. At the same time, some churches of the Reformed faith appear to be decreasing their levels of promotional and financial support for Christian education.
Critical Issue #2: Adequate Facilities - Dutton Christian School should acquire and maintain adequate facilities. These facilities should be able to support the education of our students, facilitate the administrative needs, and provide a place of safety.
The Gaines Township Planning Commission has determined that continued residential growth will happen towards the east of the township. This may place DCS at the center of the Township’s focus for development rather than on the outskirts as was previously thought. If the immediate community continues to develop and DCS is successful with local promotions it may see an increase in enrollment tracking local growth.
Additionally, Grand Rapids Christian Schools recently decided to close Millbrook Elementary School. With the closing of Grand Rapids Christian School’s Millbrook facilities, the projected continued growth of Gaines Township and the introduction of an early childhood development program, DCS’ facilities may be over-taxed. Additionally, DCS’ MNSAA accreditation recommends adequate classroom, storage, and administrative facilities.
Critical Issue #3: Affordable Tuition - Dutton Christian School is fiscally responsible, debt free, and has tuition that is competitive with the surrounding Christian schools. The Foundation has grown to over 1 million dollars through the efforts of our administrator and the CCE committee. A continued goal is to make tuition affordable to all parents who want to educate their children at Dutton Christian School.
Critical Issue #4: Reformed Church membership requirement for School Board and staff - In the 2005 Long Range Strategic Planning report, the Reformed membership requirement for board and staff was not identified as a critical issue, but it was addressed in the report as part of other critical issues. The following statements are taken from that report: “Our commitment to Jesus Christ must encompass everything that is done at Dutton Christian School. As our society changes at an increasingly faster pace, the need for remaining true to our “Reformed world and life view” becomes increasingly important. Our mission statement ‘to integrate a Reformed understanding of the Christian faith into an educational program of the highest quality’ clearly defines our intent.”
When parents enroll their children at DCS, they are required to sign the Admissions Standards form, which indicates that their personal beliefs are consistent with those outlined in the Statements of Basic Beliefs.
Church membership is currently used to determine one’s commitment to a Reformed world and life view. A comprehensive review of the bylaws should be undertaken in order to determine the most appropriate method of ensuring that DCS maintains its firm Reformed world and life view while not excluding association members who subscribe steadfastly to Reformed theology.
Conclusion:
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