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In 2000, Dutton Christian School received its’ initial MANS (Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools) Certification. Among the many MANS recommendations which DCS adopted is the revision of the DCS strategic long term plan every five years. In the fall of 2004, DCS formed a new Long Range Strategic Planning Committee (LRSP) for this purpose. The committee consists of:
Jeff Boyd, Committee Chairperson
Sylvia Atsma, Committee Secretary
Mark Bouwman
John Christian
Dave Ezinga
Diane McKenzie
Alice Seif
Bob Terpstra
Dave Teitsma
Jerry Zandstra
Stan Koster – Professional Strategic Planning Facilitator (outside)
After forming, the LRSP Committee began to collect and review information about DCS and the surrounding community. To do so, LRSP reviewed recent statistical information from Caledonia Community Schools and a Thornapple Valley Church plant about the area surrounding DCS, roughly bounded by Eastern Avenue to the West, 28th St. to the North, Alden Nash to the East, and 108th to the South. This information along with other data received by the committee made up the ‘External Influences’ on DCS. At the same time, LRSP surveyed the DCS community (past & present parents, teachers, former students, and DCS supporters) on a variety of topics, including perceptions of DCS Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Challenges, as well as overall priorities for the future direction of DCS. This information made up the ‘Internal Influences’ on DCS. In brief, the high-level summaries of the Internal and External Influences are:
External Influences
- The area surrounding DCS is growing steadily to the South and East, comprised primarily of young, upwardly mobile families made up of 2 parents with higher than average incomes.
- Caledonia Community Schools has grown approximately 33% over the past 10 years, and DCS has grown about 25% during the same period.
- There are 5 or more Christian schools located in the DCS area described above, but they are located in reasonably close proximity along the western and northern borders of the DCS area. Presently, there is no Christian school located farther south and east within this area, where much of the new population growth is occurring.
Internal Influences
- The DCS community values the Christ-centered education provided by DCS.
- While the cost of Christian education has remained an average 6% of income over the past 10 years, keeping Christian Education affordable is a key concern.
- In response to the growth in the area and at DCS, DCS should actively plan how to best address the growth trend heading our way.
LRSP Retreat
On Friday and Saturday, September 9-10, 2005 the LRSP Committee met with the DCS Board and Circle. During the Friday session, LRSP updated the group on the External and Internal Influence findings. The Saturday session was made up of several small group exercises to help identify DCS priorities for the next five years. Some key issues to be considered are:
DCS Facilities Funding
Of particular significance in addition to curriculum and operations, are the matters of future growth and funding for DCS. In the past 10 years, the DCS community has retired the outstanding facilities debt, and made several significant facilities upgrades and additions without incurring new debt. This has been a tremendous blessing for DCS.
Managing Growth
It is no secret that Southeast Kent County is growing steadily. Included in this growth trend are traditional Christian School families that continue to migrate to the suburbs around Grand Rapids in all directions. As a result of the ongoing migration, two South Suburban Christian Schools member schools, Kelloggsville Christian and Cutlerville Christian, are merging in the 2006-2007 school year. It is important for DCS to proactively prepare and plan for the impact of these factors on our school system.
Next Steps
The LRSP Committee has summarized the priorities identified at the Retreat for the DCS Board. The Board is now evaluating the priorities, and determining appropriate time lines and action plans for each. Please pray for the DCS Board, as they consider how to lead and provide for DCS by making decisions now that will determine how well DCS meets the challenges of the next five years and beyond.
Questions?
If you would like more information about DCS’ Long Range Planning priorities, review the documentation assembled by the LRSP Committee or receive a copy of the committee's final report to the board, please contact Jeff Boyd @ 616-891-2375 or jboyd@heneveld.com .
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