Christian education is relevant. However, the individual Christian school that is providing the education may be perceived as lacking relevance. Last week we posted the first article in this series. This article illustrates some of the points. [...]
|
|
|
A commonly held view is that the economy is causing the decline in Christian school and parochial school enrollment. It is a convenient explanation. Is it a reasonable explanation? [...] Leaders must think strategically. However, we seldom train them to do what we demand. Many who serve on a nonprofit board are serving on a board for the first time. Their employment requires operational thinking. As a result, they think about details first, the big picture second, and strategy is a problem solving tool rather than a planning tool. [...] If the board is talking about the wrong subjects, the organization will go in the wrong direction or no direction at all. [...] Success is a 50/50 proposition. Half of success is making the right decision. Half of success is being able to execute the decision. [...] Should we fire the principal who blames the lack of funds, declining enrollment, lack of parental involvement, or some other set of excuses for the failure of the school to deliver the desired results? Sometimes the answer is yes. The answer is no most of the time. [...] If every board meeting focused on God, success would follow. Every Muslim, Jewish, and Christian school exists to serve God. When God is served, the school is blessed with peace, unity, and a sense of fulfillment. A collateral or coincidental benefit is an increase in clients, volunteers, collaborations, and donations. [...] Fundraising events are a waste of time, effort, and annoy people. If that were true, why would you hold one? The common answer is because we need the money. Are you raising enough money to justify the time, effort, and ill will? [...] Without regard for how hard or easy it might be, it is the job of the board and administration to recruit and retrain students. It is certainly true that a strong economy makes recruiting students easier. It is equally true that a weak economy makes recruiting students difficult. [...] It is unnecessary for any Christian school to struggle with enrollment or finances. [...] |
|
Copyright © 2012 Christian and Private Schools - All Rights Reserved |