Strategic Plan 2014-2019

VISION | GOAL | OBJECTIVES

C HRIST HRIST E PISCOPAL PISCOPAL S CHOOL CHOOL

Strategic Plan 2014-2019

Academics

Extracuriculars

Culture

Facilities

Finance

Strategic Plan 2014-2019

Christ Episcopal School first developed and enacted a strategic plan in 1994 to serve as a blueprint for the expansion to the Christwood Boulevard Campus and the beginning of the Pre-Kindergarten program. This plan was updated for the period of 2002-2007 and was instrumental in assisting the school to mature as an institution by expanding and improving the Christwood Boulevard Campus, making important changes to the delivery of instruction, improving faculty compensation packages, solidifying a financial position, and improving communications with constituents. The strategic plan was again updated beginning with the 2008-2009 academic year to further CES’s mission and vision and to focus resources on continuing the tradition of excellence that the school embodies.

Strategic Plan 2008-2013, “Building on a Solid Foundation�, provided a roadmap for implementing the plans for the future of CES and was the result of an 18-month process that engaged the community and identified the seven major goals: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Refine and enhance the educational program Attract, recruit, retain, and develop faculty/staff Ensure ethnic diversity Add a high school program Improve the physical environment and plant Develop a culture of philanthropy Develop board leadership

Much has happened since the 2008-2013 strategic plan was enacted. The new Center of Inquiry has been constructed and the high school has graduated two classes. The track and field complex will be completed this year and plans are underway to develop a master plan to guide the wise development of the CBC.

An updated strategic plan is necessary to engineer and implement the next stage of growth of the educational and extracurricular offerings of the school and to further the mission of CES. So, in August 2013, Christ Episcopal School began a process to update the strategic plan. The Board of Trustees established a committee to look at the major issues confronting the school and to develop a plan with a three to five-year time frame. This strategic plan would answer the following key questions: • How will we educate?

• Who will we educate?

• How will we develop spiritually?

• How will we enrich outside the classroom?

• How will we govern ourselves?

• Where and in what form will the school do this work?

• How will we pay for it?

The 2014-2019 Strategic Plan utilized an intense public engagement strategy very similar to an architectural charrette. This strategy identified stakeholders, con-ducted SWOT analysis workshops with key stakeholders and students, surveyed parents, faculty, students, and the community at large and conducted focus groups to fully engage the Christ Episcopal community in this comprehensive strategic planning effort. SWOT analysis with key stakeholders was followed by a Student SWOT and a student, parent, faculty, and a community survey were conducted.

Focus group participants were identified and focus groups were conducted. Based upon input, culture, academics, extracurricular activities, finances, and facilities were identified as key areas of concentration. Comments from the various outreach efforts were grouped into these strategic areas of concentration. Strategic vision, goals, and objectives were developed for each area of concentration.

A briefing book was prepared by the Study Committee representatives that summarized the input for each of the areas of concentration. Included in this briefing book is information on financing and the report from the Tulane Freeman Business School that participated in this effort.

The following strategic plan is a culmination of the efforts of consultants, plan-ning committee, administration, and Board of Trustees to engage the Christ Episcopal School community to answer the questions posed by the study committee and to strategically plan the school’s future.

ACADEMICS VISION Christ Episcopal School will be acknowledged as the finest academic institution on the Northshore, and in the upper echelon of schools within our region. Excellence will be achieved by advancing the culture of learning, hiring exceptional teachers and administrators, and by enrolling motivated students who embrace our mission.

GOAL: Employ the finest school leaders and teachers in the area.

OBJECTIVES Recruit and support administrators and teachers by providing clear criteria for success with opportunities for mentoring and professional development.

Recruit exceptional teachers and work to imbue them with the values of a Christ Episcopal education.

Anticipate and plan for the retirement and replacement of veteran teachers.

Develop a transparent and broad teacher recruitment process.

Continue to review and compare teacher compensation and benefits packages.

Design an exiting process for departing faculty.

Provide new leadership for the Junior High and provide the tools needed to strengthen the academic program in that division.

Develop a comprehensive guidance program for the students of CES. Develop a system of academic advising for students in the High School.

GOAL: Create and maintain a culture of learning in which students are encouraged to become authentic scholars, think independently and creatively, and develop a love of inquiry and learning.

OBJECTIVES Define our curriculum and approach to learning so that an exceptional educational experience is achieved throughout a student’s years at CES. Utilize tools to measure success.

GOAL: Recruit and admit students who accept the challenges of academic rigor in an educational environment which is open and often unscripted.

ACADEMICS (continued) OBJECTIVES Maintain and strengthen the Outdoor Education Program for students at all grade levels.

Define admissions criteria that are clear and transparent and attract highly qualified students with diverse talents and backgrounds who embrace CES values.

Adopt strategies to enhance the economic, racial, and ethnic diversity of the student body.

Increase the percentage of CES students who stay at CES through high school graduation.

Establish a policy clarifying the levels of student special needs which the school can accommodate.

Provide the services needed to optimize the success of each student admitted to CES. Implement a study skills program.

Expand and diversify course offerings in the High School consistent with college preparatory programs addressing a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) curriculum.

Consider additional course offerings in the Lower School.

GOAL: Define and articulate the CES view of academic achievement.

Track student achievement through test scores, college acceptances, college scholarships, and parent/student satisfaction.

CULTURE VISION The unique culture and values which differentiate CES will be articulated and transmitted throughout the community. The freedom to learn, pursue interests, push boundaries, and ask questions are central to our school’s culture. We are Christ Episcopal School. Central to our culture is the role of Christ in all that we do. When acting and making decisions we ask, “What would Christ do?” We are faithful to Episcopalian traditions and approaches to education.

GOAL: Maintain the unique CES culture of learning based on each student’s individuality.

OBJECTIVES: Encourage students to embrace their uniqueness and to accept their individuality and uniqueness of their classmates; to learn in their own way; think independently and creatively; develop a love of inquiry and learning as a life skill.

GOAL: Maintain the unique CES culture of learning that emphasizes each student’s responsible exercise of God given freedom.

OBJECTIVES: Incorporate lessons that teach personal responsibility and accountability into curriculum and extracurricular programs.

Implement a disciplinary policy that is transparent and even-handed, providing students an opportunity to grow safely as individuals.

GOAL: We will articulate, infuse, and integrate the philosophy and values of Christ Episcopal School throughout the CES community.

OBJECTIVES: Improve communication between and among faculty members, division heads, and department heads.

Identify cultural coaches and stewards to inculcate new faculty members to CES culture.

Employ a school guidance counselor, who may serve as a steward of school cul-ture.

Employ an Episcopal chaplain to help deepen the level of faith formation within the school.

GOAL: Help new families become active members of the CES community.

OBJECTIVES: Consider and adopt ways to orient and support families, such as structured orientations and expansion of CES Connections, the CESPA host family program.

EXTRACURRICULARS VISION Extracurricular activities at CES provide students with a safe environment to discover their God-given abilities and develop various skills outside of the classroom. Extracurricular activities enhance the students’ life skills, teach teamwork and cooperation, and build character. The scope of extracurricular offerings at CES is intentionally broad, addressing the variety of interests and needs of our students.

GOAL: We will continue to encourage respect for both visual and performing arts.

OBJECTIVES: Expand the performing arts and music programs.

Incorporate music into the theater arts program.

Form a school band as part of the music program.

Create an Arts Booster Club to support the efforts of the Fine Arts Department and related extracurricular activities.

GOAL: The athletic program will be a model of Christian-based sportsmanship and will require a high standard of behavior from both students and adult participants.

OBJECTIVES: Expand our coaching staff to address the growing athletic needs of Junior High and High School students.

Implement an Athletics Booster Club to support the efforts of the Athletic Director and his staff.

Join LHSAA when school enrollment permits.

GOAL: Students will be encouraged to participate in expanded non-athletic club activities.

OBJECTIVES: Expand extracurricular programs available to junior high and high school students.

Establish guidelines and requirements for CES sanctioned clubs.

Incorporate various life skills such as money management and cooking into programs offered.

Enhance whole school or whole family activities, such as field day.

FACILITIES VISION CES will maintain its unique physical environment that is welcoming and soothing to young minds. It is a place where kids will love to be and which calls them to notice God’s creation.

Front porches and rocking chairs, a barn, athletic fields and open classrooms, a river and a small Southern town are all part of the CES experience.

GOAL: Complete current building projects.

OBJECTIVE: Complete track and athletic field project and continue to develop the athletic zone of the CBC. GOAL: Develop plans for emerging capital projects with a master plan for the CBC campus.

OBJECTIVES: Develop a plan for on-campus dining and food services.

Expand art facilities.

Address classroom and playground needs of the Early Childhood Campus and the CBC. GOAL: Involve the whole school community in maintaining the school buildings and grounds.

OBJECTIVE: Establish a CESPA committee to assist in addressing minor maintenance needs and campus improvements.

GOAL: Plan and articulate the ways that the CES culture can be expressed through its physical environment.

OBJECTIVE: Consider the advantage of signage, trails, covered walkways and other features which can serve to advance the CES culture “without saying a word.”

FINANCE VISION There will be available finances to meet the current obligations of the school, and a sound plan for obtaining funds for planned capital and operational needs.

GOAL: Create a culture of philanthropy among parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends.

OBJECTIVES: Create ongoing education of the CES community to enhance the understanding of the need for routine participatory financial support.

Utilize parent to parent networking to communicate support and involvement in various fund raising activities.

Increase parent participation levels in the school’s annual fund and various capital campaign efforts to 75% or greater with the goal of 100% participation.

Build an alumni network as a means of broadening financial support.

Secure significant and meaningful major donor contributions.

Establish and maintain strong communications and ties with other highly supportive CES community constituencies including grandparents, alumni, and foundation grant programs.

Create an improved system of recognition to acknowledge the significant value and importance of all contributors to CES fundraising efforts.

Expand the range of giving opportunities.

GOAL: Create an Endowment fund.

OBJECTIVES: Systematically grow and promote the CES Endowment Fund beginning in academic year 20142015, with ongoing annual contributions.

Coordinate Endowment Fund activities through the school’s Advancement Office and Board Development Committee.

GOAL: Review and clarify the CES operating budget.

FINANCE (continued) OBJECTIVES: Project and monitor enrollment changes.

Communicate to CES parents the rationale for tuition increases as related to projected operational expenses.

Annually monitor tuition costs of Northshore school offerings to ensure competitive pricing.

GOAL: Determine capital budget priorities and revenue plan.

OBJECTIVES: Increase grant-making foundation support.

Increase major donor support.

Prioritize significant capital campaign efforts.

Improve communication with the CES community regarding expectations for project size and scope commensurate with the actual results of fundraising ef-forts.

Ensure capital budget projects are fully funded.

GOAL: Reduce long-term indebtedness.

OBJECTIVES: Provide annual contributions to the school’s sinking fund.

Utilize selected windfall contributions to reduce long-term debt.

Pursue estate planning gifts with specific dedications to CES indebtedness reduc-tions.

Maintain prudent debt levels in accordance with the school’s size and operating budget.

The Christ Episcopal School Mission The philosophy of Christ Episcopal School reflects the reasons for its origin: to provide a superior academic opportunity within the framework of a warm and nurturing Christian environment.

Each child is special, an individual. Therefore, at the heart of Christ Episcopal School is the belief that the development of the intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of each child must be tailored, to the greatest extent possible, to the individual child.

We seek to give our children an awareness of God’s love and, through such an awareness, to foster those ideals - self-esteem, independence, and self-motivation - which will prepare each child for the continuing educational process.

Our goal is to prepare our children for living in God’s world, with all their rights and privileges, duties and responsibilities.

Founded in 1984, Christ Episcopal School is a co-educational, prekindergarten through 12th grade school of 576 students. The campus is located in Covington, Louisiana, and encompasses 36 acres in an Arcadian setting, offering a pleasant and stimulating learning environment for its students and faculty. Christ Episcopal School continues in the tradition of independent schools and that of Christ Episcopal Church, which since its founding in 1846 has maintained a commitment to the educational and civic life of St. Tammany Parish.