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“I cannot protect you and black boys shouldn’t be out today”​ Mayor of Atlanta (June 2020)

I’ve been thinking about George Floyd. I’ve been thinking about the police officer, Derek Chauvin, who murdered him and the 19 years he spent in the police department. I’ve been thinking about the way his sunglasses were placed casually up on his head and about his relaxed demeanor as onlookers pleaded with him to stop. I’ve been thinking about the fact that he did this while cameras were on him, not hidden cameras, cameras staring into his face. I’ve been thinking about what he did when the cameras were not on him, for 19 years. A telling of the story.

The first time it hit me hard was when I had been in the United States for over a decade and I watched Walter Scott be murdered by being shot in the back, a white man killing a black man. I watched on some channel or other – not a movie – a real-life drama of life and death. This camera was not obvious – the police officers were not aware they had been filmed – they put a taser next to Walter to ‘show’ he had been a threat to them. A telling of the story. This officer was convicted and received 20 years jail sentence. But only after the official police version was contradicted by the video evidence – a police version that lied about a number of items including the lie that they administered CPR to Walter as he lay bleeding on the ground. They just left him there.

So this isn’t the first time I’ve thought about this. And African-American commentators have reminded me that their problem is not just with single incidents like that of George Floyd; their problem, the problem that the Mayor of Atlanta has in thinking about her children, is that this is a systemic issue, not an individual issue. Remember Oscar Grant? He was a cooperative black man shot in the back at close range by a white police officer while lying on the ground. A telling of the story. His murderer got two years for involuntary homicide. I’ve been thinking about that officer and how he ‘had’ to kill Oscar. Remember Jordan Edwards? He was a 15 year old black teenager shot in the head by a white police officer as the car he was in drove away. The police chief said that he misspoke about the car reversing towards the police officer. He misspoke. A telling of the story. He also graciously admitted that the actions of his officer did not meet ‘our core values’. You need core values not to shoot someone in the back of the head as a protector of the public? You need to wear a tie and not a hoodie to avoid the fate of Trayvon Martin? You need to avoid precincts that avoid “a pattern or practice of unlawful conduct” as in Ferguson? A telling of the story.

I am a Christian educator and consultant. I am one of the founders of Christian School Management, an organization dedicated to bringing hope to Christian schools, helping to keep them open, keep them full, keep them thriving. Our website. But I am deeply conflicted about the context within which Christian schools operate. By definition, we are committed to following Jesus who blessed his enemies and told us to as well. He died for all people, forgiving his own murderers (including us) from the cross. He said that the summary of the Torah was love for God and neighbor. But as white Christian schools, we have to take account of a history, a very recent history, that supports the claims of African-Americans that their fear, the injustices they suffer, is caused by a system and not just by individuals. Martin Luther King spoke to that in 1967:

And if you will let me be a preacher just a little bit. (Speak) One day [applause], one night, a juror came to Jesus (Yes sir) and he wanted to know what he could do to be saved. (Yeah) Jesus didn’t get bogged down on the kind of isolated approach of what you shouldn’t do. Jesus didn’t say, “Now Nicodemus, you must stop lying.” (Oh yeah) He didn’t say, “Nicodemus, now you must not commit adultery.” He didn’t say, “Now Nicodemus, you must stop cheating if you are doing that.” He didn’t say, “Nicodemus, you must stop drinking liquor if you are doing that excessively.” He said something altogether different, because Jesus realized something basic (Yes): that if a man will lie, he will steal. (Yes) And if a man will steal, he will kill. (Yes) So instead of just getting bogged down on one thing, Jesus looked at him and said, “Nicodemus, you must be born again.” [applause]

Our Christian history, unlike that of the early church where St. Paul pleaded and thundered for the systemic inclusion of the Gentiles, is one where the white church has been part of systemic oppression. We can think back to the founding of the AME Church, the first independent black denomination, in 1787. Its founders, Richard Allen and Absalom Jones, made the move after white congregants yanked them from their knees while they prayed in a whites-only section of Philadelphia’s St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church. We can think back to 1850s when James Henley Thornwell, a Presbyterian preacher, said that those who supported abolition were ““atheists, socialists, communists [and] red republicans.” The church was of two minds during the Civil War and for long after. Nothing was more segregated going through the Civil Rights Movement than the Christian church on Sunday morning. In fact, as late as 2001, as many as 87% of Christian churches were all white and/or all black. And worshipping in a Christian black church does not seem to have become less risky as time has ‘progressed’ leading to the Church Arson Prevention Act (1997) but not stopping the bombs or the shooting. Howard Thurman, who founded the first fully integrated U.S. Christian church in 1944, said: ““The slaves dared to redeem a religion profaned in their midst.” So black Christianity was, so to speak, expelled from white Christianity. It actually regards white Christianity as idolatrous.

And what of our Christian schools? They were, of course, segregated. And when legal de-segregation came, it was with a raft of other social and cultural changes that made white Christians very nervous indeed. The Supreme Court made its 1962 decision in Engel v. Vitale to end officially sanctioned prayer in public schools. In 1963, it ruled in Abington v. Schempp against official Bible readings. Sex education in the schools became a major controversy. Large numbers of parents viewed the incorporation of sex-ed in the curriculum as a replacement for the teaching of parents and churches. Sexual activity and sexual disease soared during this period. There was an increase in the abortion rate and teen pregnancy. Bussing and the threat of a sub par education was problematic. So white Christians fled the public school system. To Christian schools known as segregation academies. Sometimes they even called themselves that. 

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The point about thinking of racism as systemic rather than as individual (without losing sight of the individual) is that the school does not itself have to be ‘racist’ in order for it to support white supremacy in the social and economic order within which it is situated. I have little doubt that the strength of the Christian private school in the United States is connected to the desire for segregation from communities of color that were associated with undesirable connotations including issues around class, control, power, opportunity, standards, safety. And the apprehension that white looked safer and better and more excellent than black. 

As Christian schools, we therefore have to struggle with our history and our present. We cannot imagine that this is all behind us. I have been in many schools where the issue of race bubbles behind the scenes. Simple examples? “Those kids (black) only got in because they are athletes”. The echoes of physical superiority and intellectual inferiority are very strong here. “Those kids (black) are on financial aid”. Without any inside knowledge, the assumption is that people of color are indigent. “Those kids (black) are here to make the school look good”. Tokenism is an acute accusation. “Those kids (black) got in because of affirmative action”. They would not have got in by way of fair competition but only because we felt sorry for them. I am not making any of this up – these are all attitudes that have been expressed to me, mostly by parent, but occasionally – in troubled tones – by administrators. And this is not about the south or north or east or west. I have heard this in all areas of the country. And I have sensed it many more times than I have heard it. My son graduated from a Catholic boys school where the 2016 election resulted in an overflow of racist voices within the student body, clearly echoing their parents (though not the administration). 

What is amazing is that as Christians, we would imagine that we would embrace our sisters and brothers of what ever kind who also followed Jesus. What does St. Paul say in Galatians 6? ” Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Especially… And Pew Research tells us that 79% of black Americans think of themselves as Christian (whites only 70%), 75% say it is very important in their lives (whites only 49%), 54% read the Bible at least once a week (whites only 32%), 77% say the Bible is the word of God (whites only 57%). On pretty much any level, black Americans are ‘more’ Christian than their white neighbors. Instead of being ghettoized, black Christians should be lionized! Indeed, it is their Christian faith that has made their protest (witness) against their oppression non-violent. Despite the pictures of riots and broken windows, the amazing witness of these protests is how peaceful they are given the good cause for resentment and anger and revenge that would be natural for a human being to have and give way to. 

For Christian schools, these events of the past couple of weeks should not be a cause for academic study and objectified and reified observation, even if accompanied by righteous lament and hand-wringing. For Christian schools, these events of the past couple of weeks should be a reason for deep introspection at every level to see to what extent our classrooms, corridors, playing fields, service learning programs, represent what Jesus prayed for in John 17: My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. 20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Our schools must be inclusive in radical ways. Our tuition/financial aid must be inclusive in radical ways. We must challenge and education and lead and listen to our parents and plead with them to embrace and not to fear. We must challenge and educate and lead and listen to our donors and beg them to support endowment for increased financial aid. We must go to black churches and tell them that the Christian school includes all children and welcome them in. We must reach out to leaders of color in our communities and invite them to our schools to see what we are doing, to gain their advice, to understand their point of view.

And we must ask ourselves what it means to be an inclusive culture – where the minority is respected and not expected to submit to the dominant culture. So much to say about that. But this is enough. 

I am positive about the future of the Christian school. But I am not confident. Unless we are willing to be Christian, especially to the household of faith, we will not be a light on the hill. I have total faith in the goodness of our God. But our God spoke to the Samaritan, the woman, the prostitute, the Roman centurion. Is that the God of the Christian school? Of course it is! What is the evidence for that? If the evidence is strong, we will be a strong movement through God’s grace and with His power. 

“Steve was very authoritative in his subject. He has a great grasp and familiarity with the physical worldview of running a school that’s committed [to that biblical worldview] and was definitely able to communicate that. One of the things I really appreciate about Steve is that he and I spent time on the phone after the workshop, he sent emails, and he’s been very available for questions and talking things through and helping me out.”

Clint Allen, Headmaster
Alpha Omega Academy, TX

Tom and Greg were very professional guys. They knew the history of Parkview and adjusted. We were going through significant changes the week or 2 before the consultation, and they rearranged their entire approach. They were very accommodating about meeting us where we were. We got the direction we needed.

Jed Davis, Board President
Parkview Christian Academy, IL

Polite? Yes, he’s very well-mannered, great with all the different groups, related well with them. Simon is very blunt – “I can’t imagine a worse possible schedule.” Some of the feedback was hard to hear for some of my employees, especially the marketing team. He’s forthcoming, he doesn’t pull any punches – that’s what I pay him for. I wanted him to be able to say it so they would listen. He was well-versed in all the school’s data, well-prepared, and wasn’t prescriptive – like “your mission’s wrong” – whatever his preferences were.

Peter Hansen, Head of School
Lancaster County Christian School

Simon did an outstanding job. I don't agree with him on everything, but his positions are always logically and intellectually formed.

Deborah Miller, Regional Director (former)
ACSI - North-West, MT

I don't know how it could have been done any differently, but it was a lot to absorb in 3 days. We wrote the plan with him, presented it to the faculty, and even up until about 2 weeks ago we kept refining it. This was so helpful for our staff. I was glad he included lead teachers - there's so much more buy-in. Simon was so gracious. One place he focused was the mission statement. As someone of his knowledge, I said I wished he could talk with the Board about it. So he came to a 6 a.m. meeting the day he was leaving. Then the Foundation Braod came in and he met with them about facilities. Our secondary Principal, who's relatively new to the school (2 years) was more excited about Simon's visit than he has been since he joined us. It gave him direction. IF that's all that happpeneded [as a result of the consultation] that alone would have been worth it.

Diann Floth, Head of School
Billings Christian School, MT

Collaborate – We did a lot of meeting and talking before the day about what the goals were for the day. Then we went to dinner afterwards and talked about how it went and what the next steps are. He was very interested in tailoring it to what we needed to have happen. He said what needed to be said but in a way that was able to be heard. His rates are very reasonable; it was very affordable for our school. It was awesome!

Josh Bowar, Head of School
Sioux Center Christian School, IA

It was very exciting. Everyone is encouraged and energized – it’s the shot in the arm we need.

Bethany Wirin, Head of School
Marshalltown Christian School, IA

Simon has such a depth of knowledge. It’s invaluable to get his perspective on where you’re at. We expected new things and we got them. The surprising thing was there were areas where we weren’t aware he had knowledge and could address with us. We will have him back again. It’s like an annual self-exam, having Simon come in every year and give us a check-up in a certain area.

Diann Floth, Head of School
Billings Christian School, MT

Simon asked a lot of questions before he came about the audience, so he knew who we were and what we would be looking for. He was easy to listen to and made little jokes here and there – that’s nice to have that when you’re sitting and listening. He was direct. He wasn’t aggressive, but he wasn’t afraid to say what needed to be said. We felt he was very knowledgeable and had lots of experience that he brought to the table.

Nicki Kuiper, Coordinator
Heartland Schools

The following Friday at 7 a.m. I walked past a preschool teacher who said, “Dr. Walner, that was money well spent.” All the teachers felt affirmed by the strategic planning process. Bill and Tom helped solidify visionary ideas, but the most valuable was understanding how to fund those ideas in the next 5 years. The strategic financial plan showed us what the market could bear and recommended an 8.9% tuition increase. We usually do around 5%, but we went ahead and our re-enrollment has been the strongest ever.

Dr. William Walner, Principal
Bethany Christian School, CA

We were tremendously blessed by what Bill (Simmer) said. People’s experience was “I never thought of it that way.” He delivered tremendously for everybody; it was a mix of new people and “old people” [veteran teachers]. There was a whole different perspective – data-driven vs. anecdotal. We were satisfied – very much so. A number of people said they want Bill to come back.

Edward Fidellow, Executive Director
Christian Montessori Fellowship

This was a great experience. When you go it alone and you have someone come alongside to help, it’s very meaningful - it’s such a powerful experience to have a plan. My goal is to review the strategic plan on a weekly basis. We appreciate the effort made to put everything on paper with a structure – year 1, year 2.

Robert Peck, Headmaster
The Samuel School, PA

Christian school leadership is more complex, more demanding, and more needed than ever. Traditional graduate programs fail to prepare Christian school leaders and provide ongoing support to address this reality. Transformation Academy provides the framework, content, and mentorship to prepare future and current leaders to thrive in leading Christian Schools. It is one of the only programs to comprehensively tackle critical leadership roles in the areas of finance, fundraising, board governance, spiritual leadership, and data-driven organizational benchmarking. If I were replacing myself in the role of HOS at my school, Transformation Academy would be mandatory for my successor.

Cade Lambert, Superintendent
Des Moines Christian School

For most of us who get involved in Christian schooling, it doesn’t take long to realize that it’s unlike any other type of organization. Training in the non-profit and for-profit world both fall short of addressing the unique circumstances of the business/ministry paradox in private Christian education. In my first year as a head of school, I felt like an astronaut without a tether – very aware of all the vast things I didn’t know and not sure which way was ‘up.’ Transformation Academy served as my “ground control” experience. Addressing both the strategic and the spiritual, I returned to my school with a framework for progress and a variety of effective tools for helping my board understand our specific opportunities for improvement. Implementation of those improvements are on-going, but my school has gone from ‘swirling the drain’ to a financially-sound, mission-focused educational ministry. Prayer, hard-work and great intentions can take you far – but it matters to first know that you’re going in the right direction. Transformation Academy was paramount in determining our focus for change.

Erin Hart, Head of School
3 Rivers Christian School, WA

The value in Transformation Academy is greater than the investment to attend. I arrived at Transformation Academy with 10 years of experience as head of school and felt like I left with the most valuable leadership training I had ever received for Christian education. Those two years changed my life and my trajectory as a head of school. I left that experience feeling equipped to make decisions that would radically change the effectiveness and sustainability of our school. Transformation Academy truly is transformational. That was five years ago. Since then, our school has grown, added a campus, built a strategic reserve, added highly qualified staff in administrative positions, and made changes to curriculum and programs to better meet the needs of our students. Everyone in Christian school leadership should participate in Transformation Academy to change the course of Christian education for the Kingdom!

Aaron Coon, Head of School
Calvary Christian Academy, DE

Simon and Bill were able to sell it to the Board. They did a lot of homework and knew a lot about us. I really appreciate how accessible they’ve been following the consultation. One day I sent them 3 emails. They responded quickly and were able to give us good solid advice.

Michelle Goodman, Principal
The King's Academy, PA

Bill and Simon did their homework – pointed out things we hadn’t noticed and we were, “Really?” They knew us about as well as anyone could on a paper basis. They were respectful of our mission. One of the recommendations was a mission refresh – how it could be made better – and they were always respectful. Success is often measured by beginning with clear goals. We have those. With the faculty, two areas were really positive – mission at the beginning and professional learning community at the end. The other two areas landed like bricks – scheduling and assessment. It was the only blemish on the week.

Luke Davis, Headmaster
Seattle Classical Christian School, WA

This time they added a piece and engaged our faculty. That wasn’t part of the first one we had done. It made a big difference for the teachers to see that they are valued. You got what you needed to hear: They did not mince words, and we didn’t pay them to mince words. There was no candy coating. And they did it in a constructive, not a judgmental, way.

Mike Myers, Headmaster
Dayspring Christian School, PA

He absolutely facilitated conversations. The school is undergoing a lot of change, and people needed to share their thoughts and perspectives about the past. He was sensitive to that. He was very collaborative. It’s fun to work with a consultant like Simon – we value that. He’s a knowledgeable person who’s been in the industry a long time, and he’s working with a school that hasn’t been working with best practices. He’s great company, and he has a winsome way with his personality and the way he approaches things. He makes it fun.

Clark Gilbert, Head of School
Milpitas Christian School, CA

It took a bit to get the Board members to spend the money to bring in a consultant. We had brought in a consultant before and implemented only some of the suggestions. All of the Board agreed this was money well spent. We went out of our way to do this. I was able to convince the Board President, but we had about an hour discussion at a Board meeting about hiring CSM. Even at our meeting last week, the Board members were saying, “That was a good Consultant study.” The consensus of the Board was that it was a really good idea. Our Board members are business people and have had consultants. One had spent $75,000 for a consultant study and never implemented much. He said they’d basically wasted the money. The Board members say this was “worth it.” We appreciated the plan being written in a way that was usable. A lot of consultants give you information, but it’s not usable. I also appreciate that Bill and Simon have been accessible after the visit. That’s really important for us. They said, “If you need us, if you have questions, feel free to email or call.” A lot of people would say, “We get $125 an hour.”

Warren Barrett, Head of School
Grace Academy, MD

We hired the workshop leaders as a team - they did an excellent job. They were socially aware - They were sensitive to what's happening in the room even as they were teaching. They were all wonderful that way. Worth the $$ - I absolutely will hire them again. I definitely think the practical solutions they offered will make an impact if the schools apply them. I love what Simon and Bill bring to the table. Lauren hit it out of the park - she is outstanding.

Cindy Dodds, Regional Director
ACSI - Northeast

Overall, the experience was very positive, and the Board got some new life, some new energy, and we're all really excited about it. We're already acting on the first step. We engaged with a master facilities planner, hired him and that's under way. We also made financial decisions just last night about tuition, and we're working on our Board governance and structure.

Kyle Kuipers, Board President
Byron Center Christian School

“In faculty evaluation, we came to the idea together. Simon brought us to where we were saying, 'This is good.' I appreciate that they didn't throw out everything that we had been building. They created a shift in mindset that allowed us to focus on growth and create a system for the 95% of teachers who do want to grow. We'll be implementing in the spring. "The schedule was presented to us - it's amazing what they accomplished in the time they spent. They demonstrated how we could financially afford it and the benefits it would bring. There was so much to consider that I asked he to give us a day after got home to go into the elementary and middle school schedules more deeply. The research pieces were important; they laid the foundation for why. Walking through the challenges with the current schedule made it obvious we needed to shift. We're implementing in 2021."

Jake Mulvihill, Head of School
Legacy Christian Academy, MN

“He did tell us what we needed to hear. It’s one of the CSM promises – it’s built into the organization – you get a helping hand and a nudge in the right direction. The first consultation we laid the framework – strategic planning, strategic financial planning, updating the mission. This time we built on that structure and filled it in. Simon gives us hope (which is huge), help (a plan), direction (where we want to go), and wise counsel (based on his knowledge of the industry, his passion for Christian schools, and his years of experience). It’s just invaluable. When other schools call, I tell them, 'Do anything you can to get them there. If you get one student as a result, you’ve paid for it. It’s worth every penny and then some.'”

Shawn Smith, Principal
Grace Christian School, VT

"Simon helped us understand what we need to do to put the school on a different trajectory. He didn't try to make us into something we're not. The leadership and Board have realized that the world is changing pretty quickly. This was a really helpful process for us. The leadership and the Board are energized. Monday next week, God willing, the Board is going to approve the strategic plan. On February 15, God willing, we're holding an in-service to present the plan to the faculty. We're jumping in with both feet."

Henry Doorn, Superintendent
Southwest Chicago Christian Schools, IL

"The key performance indicators were really helpful. We may feel like we’re actually growing and improving, but are we really? That gave us something tangible to look at and make judgements about. During my time in schools, I’ve had maybe 3 consulting experiences and this is the first one where I felt I really got my money’s worth. It was a very good thing for us. I was talking with the Board President and we’re starting to turn the corner we wanted to turn. It was the push we needed."

David Couchman, Principal
Summit Christian School, CA

"I knew we would have lots to get ready. Simon was very specific about what he needed. He did his homework so our time together was well spent. He was up to speed when he arrived. He had read all the materials we sent and everything else he could get his hands on. He and Greg definitely made an easy team - they complemented each other. Greg would add relevant things he had seen recently in his own school and other places. Simon didn't give us conclusions. He left us with 7 different schedules and we were tasked with coming up with the final one. He enlightened us about the possibilities and showed us the strengths of each one. We came up with another one that was not exactly like the one he presented. Being open-ended and reflection are critical - it's better if you do it yourself.

Rev. "Boo" Kay, Principal
Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School, LA

"You don't meet many people like Simon. He can tell you something and be blunt and still make you feel good about yourself. That's a great quality. He said what needed to be said. I wish we'd brought him in for two days - he had so much more to offer. He did a great job with the time he had."

John Barkel, Principal
Fremont Christian School, MI

"Bill (Stevens) was definitely collaborative and told us what we needed to hear. There was a meeting on Saturday with the School Board to ask questions and get to the answers. I liked that he was very honest with us. He could be direct, not mincing words or trying to sugarcoat. One thing that stuck with me: Bill comes with experience and he used that to help us dig deeper and think. And he also took time to pray not just for us, but with us – that was huge, as a leader and from where my focus was."

Kasinda Bristol, Head of School
Trinity Christian School, CT

"We’re totally blessed. We got more than we expected and it was worth more than the paycheck. It was a value, not an expense. We’re excited. "What else was amazing is that Simon is like the Energizer Bunny. The hours he put in – we spent 13 hours a day together. It was clear that he cared, he was vested. He rolled up his sleeves and addressed everything - from abstract thinking to future planning to budget to scheduling – the day-to-day to the very strategic. It was really fun."

Shawn Smith, Head of School
Grace Christian School, VT

“Simon used theory and his experience to move the Finance Committee forward. He worked non-stop and left us with recommendations that were specific to our mission and strategic plan that we are able to move forward with. He got the Board talking in a short amount of time, and accomplished a great deal in the short time he was with us. It was like drinking through a fire hose. The Board wanted to put aside funds to bring the consultant back and monitor the school’s progress. We are very thankful.”

Neil Capone, Head of School
Faith Heritage School, NY

"What Bill and Simon told us was relevant and accomplished my vision for the day. Part of that vision was to take some specific topics and lay the foundation – almost an educational philosophy – that we could move forward with as a school together."

Jake Mulvihill, Head of School
Legacy Christian Academy, MN

When asked whether the Head understood her path better than before, she said, “Yes, absolutely, and the Board does too.” Their meetings are more effective – now Board meetings are 1-1/2 hours long, not 3 hours. “That is huge.”

Jennifer Knecht, Head of School
Manheim Christian Day School, PA

"Tom and Simon definitely did their homework. I was amazed - I wasn’t sure how much they’d read of all the information we gave them, but they seem to have read everything. The consultation brought people on board concerning critical issues.

Dan De Kam, Executive Director
West Michigan Christian Schools Collaborative, MI

When I found the toilet bowl cleaner that actually worked (ZEP), I was so relieved. When I discover the shoes that were so comfy, stylish and last forever (Clarks), I felt like I accomplished something. To finally find the resource, people and organization that understands what I am facing and where I ultimately want to go (CSM), I've been changed. No disrespect in comparing CSM to shoes and TB cleaner, but if you knew the arduous journey (as some of you do) to search high and low for years and try everything under the sun to solve these needs, you will relate to what I am saying. I've paid for education. Lots of it - but I simply could not find the people able or willing to meet me where I was as at as a school leader. I had worked my tail off and had a good school. But we want a great school and we want to be able to communicate what we do to others. I got my Masters Degree in education, I went to conferences galor, including leadership conferences, I paid for consulting from business consultants, non profit consultants and educational consultants - I sometimes left with nuggets of wisdom so small- you would have mistaken them for chicken nuggets at Micky D's. Then I met Bill. Now I don't want Bill to get a big head - but wow. When he spoke to a group of us at a Christian Montessori Conference- I was blown away. He actually not only knew what he was talking about from personal experience - he understood what I struggled with from years of research into what school leaders all over deal with. It's an important difference. And Bill is not a mild mannered boring guy....Bill tells you like it is. Kind of like the way that really wise old widow at your church looks at you straight in the eyes and tells you the most profound and sometimes painful things because they love you and they want the best for you and they care more about helping you than you liking them. But it's even better than that, because Bill also LISTENS! Actively listens and helps you process what is going on in your own head and the revelations waiting to emerge. Then sits back and celebrates the idea that was born. I mean, being the school leader can be challenging. No one else in your school or even family really has that job and can relate to the numerous small victories needed for transformation to occur. But Bill gets it and he genuinely enjoys and honors your accomplishments along the way. When people like Bill and Simon show up and extend a hand offering their wisdom to help your school... go for it. You'll get more than nuggets if wisdom, you'll get clarity to take your school and your personal career to the next level, and the next, and the next... Thanks Bill - you really are great and I'm so glad I met you!

Denise Marti, Head of School
Providence: A Christian Montessori Community

Last spring Cedar Valley Christian school invited Christian School Management to our school to consult with us on a strategic plan. Bill and Simon spent three days evaluating our school and meeting with key groups of people. They then presented a strategic plan for our school for the next five years. They were able to give us an honest opinion of things that we were doing well and things that we could do better. They were able to supply opinions based on research and experience. Although some things were hard to hear, they were helpful as we planned for the future of our school. Following their visit, my board suggested that I continue with some executive coaching. I was reluctant but am glad that I took advantage of this opportunity. The six follow up sessions with Bill served as a good reminder of the strategic plan and allowed me to dig deeper into the plan, ask questions and get a better understanding of each part of the plan. Bill was encouraging but direct and helped me navigate our plan but also helped me grow as a leader. I looked forward to each session and enjoyed the coaching that Bill provided. As far as school improvement and individual professional development are concerned, the time spent with Bill and Simon was extremely valuable and money well spent. I often refer back to something they said or I look to their material to continue to help our school become the best that it can be.

Jeffrey Pospisil, Principal
Cedar Valley Christian, IA

I tell anyone that calls me about CSM or emails, “do anything short of lying, cheating, or stealing to get them there.” Money is always the hang up. I tell them to look at it as an investment in your school – even if you get one student, the consultation pays for itself. Even after all that time, the Board was still hung up on money for this consult. It’s an investment in the future of the school, it’s going to pay for itself, look at our past history. Basically, we’re ahead 200,000 bucks.

Shawn Smith, Principal
Grace Christian School, VT

Overall, he did a very, very good job in a digital format. If he were to ask me about an area to grow, I’d say talk less and let people engage more. Leave them wanting more. On the other hand, he’s got a lot of good stuff to share.

Jerry Bowen
ACSI Rocky Mountain House

You could have handed us a 5 page document and said here is the best guide for a successful Annual Fund, but the CSM process led to valuable conversation and writing rehearsal that was invaluable. The conversations were contextual to our school. The content was excellent: do’s, don’ts, timelines, examples! Profound, simple, educational, inspirational! Most consultants tell us what to do, CSM shows us how to do it! We now know we can do this!

Jake Mulvihill, Head of School
Legacy Christian Academy

You are the civil and mechanical engineers of school leadership!!! I know we have to be the sub contractors who do the work - but we could not have done it without you. Thank you! BTW - I cannot believe you made all that come together in 4 days. It looks like a month's worth of work!

Denise Marti, Head of School, Providence
Christian Montessori Community

He really equipped our new school leader (Academic Dean) to be very successful this year. We had a specific list of topics to discuss and met twice a month. At the first meeting we focused on the topic; at the second one we did follow-up questions, which was very helpful. (Executive Coaching)

Diann Floth, Head of School
Billings Christian School, MT

They led conversations appropriately. There was a lot of give and take. It’s the nature of the work that every once in a while we’re going to say “We’re not gonna do that,” and the level of rapport was appropriate. What we needed to hear? I think so. It’s always hard to come in when you don’t know a lot of people. The SFP part was exceptionally thorough and beneficial. They worked well with our CFO, who’s really sharp, and shaped the way we think about some things – it was exceptional.

Mike Sligh, Head of School
Lakeland Christian School, FL

Knowledgeable - Yes, that’s why I work with them. They’re very good at recognizing where their expertise starts and stops - Simon defers to Patrick because he feels Patrick is more knowledgeable in some areas, and vice versa. It’s not simply a transactional discussion; they make you feel like you’re a person, too. We’ll be doing the coaching process again. Compared to the market out there the cost was good and the coaching was successful, that’s why we’re sticking with it. (Collaborative Executive Coaching)

Dan DeKam, Executive Director
West Michigan Christian Schools

The great thing about Tom is that he can be very direct. There are certain circumstances which, as a consultant, you need to know how to explain to different stakeholders. He was very adaptable to circumstances. He did the job we asked him to do. He has great experience, knows what does and doesn’t work.

Dan Tallacksen, Board of Directors
Christian Heritage Academy, IL

In each instance where we were talking about a specific matter, Bill gave me helpful direction and guidance. I know he’s busy, and I appreciated his accessibility. If a situation came up, I reached out and he made time to talk with me. I really appreciated it. He’s gotten to know me over time, and he’s able to speak into what my true personality is and to be mindful of the struggles of being in this role.

Courtney Elliott, Head of School
Hope Academy, MI

The biggest win was that our Board woke up. That was really worth it all by itself - seeing those “aha moments” with our Board. They have always been my cheerleaders instead of the workhorses, and there has to be a time when that relationship changes. They really got that

Denise Marti, Head of School
Providence: A Christian Montessori Community, NC

Path, action, success – Definitely. We have a lot on our plate, but it’s focused energy now. We’ll have success in what we will accomplish, and in the clarity of where we’re going and what we will say “no” to with opportunities. In general, we will grow in our success as a school.

Jake Mulvihill, Head of School
Legacy Christian Academy, MN

I will recommend this coach or whoever, and I highly recommend that after going through SP the Head follow up with some coaching. That was a good part of the progress we’ve been able to make.

Jeff Pospisil, Head of School
Cedar Valley Christian School, IA

I’m incredibly appreciative of the final product now that the board has approved it. The board did not approve it that evening, and we spent a couple of months, the board and the leadership team, working on it. That made it fit exactly what was intended. There was significant by-in and the Board ultimately unanimously approved the final plan.

Tom DeJonge, Superintendent
Grand Rapids Christian School, MI

I would say we have a lot more confidence compared to our views pre-plan. There was uncertainty as to what the future might look like. We know what we have to do to hit our objectives. We know these plans work – others have been using the CSM plan and we have tangible examples that we can rely on. The biggest thing is now the school is more unified around that plan, and we can move the school in a better direction.

Dan Tallacksen, Board Treasurer
Christian Heritage Academy, IL

We’re very grateful that we have consistent leadership and a strategic plan. This is my 20 th year at Lighthouse. That makes a difference in where can go with the school. There’s unity around the mission, God’s word, the core value statement of faith. That’s why I love a strategic plan because it doesn’t matter if the board changes. We will never go back to being a school without a strategic plan.

Stephen Roddy, Head of School
Lighthouse Christian School, WA

Our thinking was strategically, early in the process, on the right side of healthy practice. We needed (the service we got) more than I thought in terms of Board roles. It was really fun to have Tom there to provide perspective from someone who’s still “in the school building.”

Brian Polk, Board President
Ecclesial Schools Initiative, FL

What my Board needed to hear was that all good things can happen, but they have to happen in a very explicit ordering of priorities. We can’t have everything at once because we can’t afford to pay for it. When people come up with “great ideas,” it’s not a great idea if it’s not in the plan.

Bill Shelnutt, Head of School
Trinity Presbyterian School, AL

We use our SFP almost every single day. Simon worked tirelessly to make the budget figures run effectively so we would come out in the black. It's part of everything we’ve done since then – we’ve been following the same (type of) plan for many years. He’s worked overtime in order to make it work, the plan is very specific & detailed.

Rev. "Boo" Kay
Episcopal Day School, Lake Charles, LA

We needed a consultant to be successful. They have a way of pulling out the best in you, rather than it just coming from the leaders and teacher leaders

Becky Miedema, Head of HR
Des Moines Christian School

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