Forward in Faith - Case for Support

FORWARD IN FAITH Mo re stu de nts. Mo re o p p o r tun itie s.

SAME MISSION. MORE STUDENTS. MORE OPPORTUNITIES.

T H E LU T H E R A N W E S T M I S S I O N : TO P R O V I D E A N E D U C AT I O N A L LY R I C H , C H R I S T- C E N T E R E D E X P E R I E N C E I N A 2 1 S T C E N T U RY L E A R N I N G E N V I R O N M E N T.

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F O R W A R D I N FA I T H is a result of extensive research, planning, and prayer. It will propel Lutheran West forward and elevate our school to new heights.

I invite you to join me in making these plans a reality for current students and many generations of students to come.

- CHRIS STEINMANN ‘00 SUPERINTENDENT & CEO

OUR STUDENTS have a n impact on . . .

OUR SCHOOL, w hic h ha s a n impa ct on. . .

OUR COMMUNITY, w h ic h ha s a n i m pa ct on. . .

OUR WORLD.

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A HISTORY AND FUTURE OF GROWTH T H R O U G H O U T T H E D E C A D E S , LU T H E R A N W E S T H A S M O D E R N I Z E D O U R S PA C E S A N D T H E S T U D E N T E X P E R I E N C E .

Throughout the 73-year history of the CLHSA and the 63-year history of Lutheran High School West, our community has taken proactive steps to properly position the school to serve the ever-changing educational, experiential, spacial, and technological needs of students.

Lutheran West sees the transition to a 6-12 school as an opportunity to grow and transform Christian education in Northeast Ohio. Lutheran West will offer families the ability to realize a Christ-centered education that includes robust academic, extra-curricular, and arts offerings.

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1958

After 10 years at the original Lutheran High School in downtown Cleveland, Lutheran High School West is established in Rocky River.

1971

Lutheran West is expanded with the addition of the “100s” and guidance counselor offices in the library.

1985

The Cleveland Lutheran Educational Endowment Fund (CLEEF) is established.

1988 2000

The Jochum Room and John Katt Music Room are built, allowing more space for the fine arts.

2003

Through the Vision Alive! campaign, Science and STEM programs are expanded with the addition of the science wing and an engineering lab. A dedicated art studio is added, along with The Senney Gymnasium, weight room, and locker rooms.

2011

The Unleash the Spirit capital campaign allows for the establishment of The Senney Honors Academy, expansion of the Jochum Room into the 490-seat state-of-the-art Jochum Performing Arts Center, new baseball dugouts, the addition of artificial turf on the baseball diamond and Alumni Field, and refacing of the school building.

2019

The I Believe in West campaign provides for a full renovation to the library, a modern update to the Wittrock Gymnasium, and updates to the main offices, Admissions Center, and Student Life Center.

Light the Night enables the construction of a new football stadium named Alumni Field.

THE OPPORTUNITY THOUGHTFUL ADAPTATION THROUGH THE YEARS HAS ALLOWED FOR LUTHERAN WEST’S ENROLLMENT GROWTH:

700 600 500 488 400 300

458

412 321

363

494

521

397

200 100 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2021

Throughout the decades, Lutheran West has grown and is currently operating at near capacity. At the same time, school leadership has envisioned the transition of Lutheran West into a 6th-12th grade school, serving more students with more opportunities. Making this vision a reality means expansion and enhancement of existing facilities and programming at the high school level while meeting new needs for our incoming middle school students.

Over the past fifteen years, there has been a steady decline in enrollment in Christian K-8 schools in Northeast Ohio. While the demand for private middle school education overall has increased, the enrollment at Christian K-8 schools has decreased in grades 6 through 8. This is a market-dictated trend that will continue. Market research shows that families are seeking a more robust academic and extra-curricular offering than currently exists in the Christian school community.

The time is now for Lutheran West to expand and enhance its high school offerings, as well as add grades 6-8, serving more students with more opportunities.

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“THROUGH THE FORWARD IN FAITH EXPANSION, THE OPPORTUNITIES AND UNIQUE PROGRAMS we’ll offer will make

the 6th-8th grade experience as robust as possible for optimal preparation for, and success in, our thriving high school curricular and extra-curricular programs.”

- M I C H A E L WAUG H ‘02 P R I N C I PAL

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THE VISION:

PREMIER 6TH - 12TH GRADE EDUCATION FOR 800 STUDENTS

The vision for a 6th-12th grade Lutheran West includes: Middle school in which high school credit can be earned in 8th grade

NOW IT’S TIME ONCE AGAIN to not only adapt, but to excel. It’s time to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Christian education in Northeast Ohio.

Lutheran West will propel the student experience forward in faith as we move into the 21st century.

Lutheran West is now uniquely positioned to offer top-notch private 6th-12th grade education to 800 students that intentionally pursues excellence while maintaining a Christ-centered community.

Advancement of premier programming at the high school level, with marquee programs in athletics, the arts, STEM, and business Opportunities for academic, athletics, and arts programs for middle school students using high-caliber facilities and resources already in place at Lutheran West Building and renovation projects to accommodate growth and provide modern learning spaces Enrollment growth to 800 students 9

TRANSFORMING CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR 800 STUDENTS IN GRADES 6-12

CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE: Elite curricular areas in which students can focus their educational experience according to their own emerging interests, talents, and goals.

This curriculum shift will provide opportunities for focus and growth in these Centers of Excellence.

This student experience, unique to Lutheran West, enables graduates to become Christian influencers and leaders in these growing and important fields.

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THE FINE ARTS C O N S E R V AT O R Y Existing spaces and programs will be enhanced and expanded to allow students a fully immersive arts experience.

This focus on visual arts, dance, vocal music, instrumental music, and drama programs will develop young people who have collaborative and creative skills to influence our society and culture.

THE BUSINESS ACADEMY Students in The Business Academy will benefit from thoughtfully developed coursework, real-world business and entrepreneurship exposure, peer collaboration, and business resources.

With the foundation gained from The Business Academy, graduates will be poised to create their own business, study entrepreneurship in college, or prepare to enter the marketing industry. Additionally, they will enact change in our society and economy through their approach to business with a mindset of servant leadership.

THROUGH INTENTIONAL INVESTMENT IN QUALITY PROGRAMS

THE STEM ACADEMY The areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are among the fastest growing and changing fields in our modern world.

Lutheran West’s STEM Academy will prepare students to enter these fields through the use of state-ofthe-art spaces, technology, and equipment for hands-on learning. The STEM Academy will lay the groundwork for graduates to become Christian influencers and leaders in scientific fields.

LONGHORN AT H L E T I C S Middle school students will have the opportunity to participate in 7 athletic programs, with a plan to expand to all 16 sports currently offered at Lutheran West.

Student-athletes will benefit from building their skills and working with Christian leaders and coaches for 7 consecutive years.

THE SENNEY HONORS ACADEMY Established in 2011, The Senney Honors Academy is a thriving program for Lutheran High School West. SHA students are challenged to excel beyond traditional classroom learning through leadership training, enhanced academic coursework, and standardized test preparation. They graduate from Lutheran West prepared for college and beyond.

As Lutheran West welcomes middle school students, The Senney Honors Academy will be adapted to serve 6th-8th graders in the same way.

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“I BELIEVE IT IS OUR DUTY AS CHRISTIANS to be constantly

and prayerfully considering how we can best raise the next generation of Christian leaders for our community and our world. Now is a grace-filled moment of action: Lutheran West is in a position to expand its ministry and serve more students for Christ.”

- WAL LY SE N N E Y ʼ73 F OR WAR D IN FAITH C AM PAI G N C H AI R

“GROWING UP IN TODAY’S DIGITAL WORLD makes me

grateful that I can learn and grow in a Christian community.

Young people may not realize it, but they need Christ-centered education more than ever. I’m so excited that my school is in a position to expand and share the message of God with even more people.”

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- AR RYON ESPOS ITO ʼ22 CU R R EN T S TU DENT

NEW SCHOOL MAIN ENTRANCE 13

CON STRUCTION OF A NEW AD DITION OF 15 C L AS SROOM SPACES TO AC COMMOD ATE GROW TH IN ENROLLMEN T

MUSIC ROOM FOR TH E AD DITION OF ORC H ESTRA AS WELL AS SPECIALIZED IN STRUMENTAL AND VOC AL IN STRUCTION

C A M P U S E X PA N S I O N T O A C C O M M O D AT E G R O W T H TO A CCO M P LISH T HE V IS ION S E T F ORT H, WE MUS T C A PITA L IZ E ON E X I ST I NG R ES OU R C ES A N D S EEK OU T N EW ON ES . WE' L L EXPA N D A N D E NH ANCE T HE S C H OOL' S PHYS I C A L FA C I L IT IES , A L LOWIN G LU T H ERA N WE ST TO SE RVE MOR E S T UD EN TS WIT H M ORE OPPORTU NITI ES.

DO U BLI NG OF ART STUDI O SPACE TO SERV E MORE ST U DENTS TAKING M OR E ART COURSE S

EXPANSION OF THE SCENE S HOP AND D RESSING ROOM AREAS OF THE JOCHUM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER’S BAC KSTAGE

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C R E AT I O N O F A V I D E O BROADCASTING & E D I T I N G FA C I L I T Y PLUS MODERN UPGRADES TO

E X PA N S I O N O F SCHOOL COUNSELING A N D M E N TA L H E A LT H SERVICES

THE ENGINEERING LAB

AD D I TI O N O F T HRE E NE W STATE-O F-T HE- ART SC I E NCE AND STE M L AB S FO R EXPANSION O F SCI ENC E , T ECHNO LO G Y, EN GI NEER I NG, AND

C R E AT I O N OF A NEW BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTER

M AT H E MATI CS P ROGRAM S

ADDI TI O N O F A ST Y LI ZED FENCE

C ONSTRUCTION OF A

L I NE, EXPANDE D

DED IC ATED SPACE

PA RKI NG LOT, AND

F OR TH E SENNEY

L ANDSCAP I NG TO

H ON ORS ACADEMY

EN H ANCE CAMPUS

TO GATHER AND

AP P EAR ANCE AND

HOLD EVENTS

SECUR I T Y 15

CAMPUS MASTER PLAN

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LUTHERAN WEST’S MIDDLE SCHOOL classes will be held

primarily in the current “100s” classrooms and the to-be constructed classrooms above, with middle school students attending specialty classes (physical education, art, sciences, music) in spaces dedicated to those subject areas. The proposed expansion will create ample space to serve 800 students in grades 6-12, with the “hub” of the middle school located in the new upper level classroom spaces.

AS PLANNED, F O R W A R D I N FA I T H E X PA N S I O N I N C L U D E S : - EXTERIO R & G R OUN D S EN H A N C EMEN TS - N EW CO N S TR UCT ION - IN TERIO R REP UR P OS IN G

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PROPOSED EXPANSION FO R WA R D IN FA IT H M U S T Y IELD A $ 1 6 .5 M ILLIO N R ES U LT IN OR DER TO B EGIN T H E FOLLOWIN G BU ILDIN G PL AN S:

EX TERIOR & GROUNDS ENH ANCEM EN TS - Expansion of the parking lot and creation of a student pickup & dropoff loop - Updating of campus fence to a decorative iron & stone pillar style - Construction of new main entrance with gathering space and secure entry

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NEW C O N S T RU CT ION Additions include: - More classroom space to accommodate growth in enrollment in grades 6-12 - Elevation of the school building to include a second story over the “100s” classrooms - New music room for the addition of orchestra as well as for specialized instrumental and vocal music instruction

FUTURE EXPANSION UPON COMPLE TION OF PRIMARY C A M PA I G N O B J E C T I V E S ,

the Lutheran West campus master plan includes a large-scale fieldhouse with potential natatorium on the current site of the Medical West Building. This future expansion will require an additional funding effort.

- State-of-the-art video production and editing facility - 3 new state-of-the-art STEM labs for expansion of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs - Dedicated space for meetings and events for The Senney Honors Academy - Elevator to second story above current “100s” IN T ERIO R REP URPOS ING - Double art studio space - Creation of a new Business & Entrepreneurship Center - Expansion of the scene shop and dressing room areas of the Jochum Performing Arts Center’s backstage - Expanded School Counseling and Student Services Center

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MISSION & VISION: INTO THE FUTURE

CONTINUED ENDOWMENT GROWTH The Cleveland Lutheran Educational Endowment Fund, commonly referred to as CLEEF, was established in 1985 with the mission to further the educational program of the CLHSA, largely through annual endowment distributions to the schools’ operating budgets.

Funded through planned gifts (bequests and estate gifts made through wills and trusts), CLEEF has been and will continue to be essential to the ongoing funding of school operations and student experiences.

Since its inception, CLEEF has provided over $6.5 million in additional income necessary to meet the day-to-day costs associated with running our schools.

As the student body and programmatic offerings expand, operating costs will also increase. In order to sustain Lutheran West’s anticipated expansion, a focus must be placed upon growing our endowment. The Forward in Faith campaign includes raising $2.5 million in deferred gifts to ensure that high-quality Christian education is attainable for many generations to come.

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WHAT IT TAKES to transform students’ experiences

to cultivate Christian leaders for our society

to educate for the 21st century

to build the facilities to serve 800 students

$21.8 MILLION

INTERIOR BUILDING ENHANCEMENTS [ $1.5 MILLION ]

NEW ACADEMIC WING + BUILDING EXTERIOR, GROUNDS, AND PARKING [ $17 MILLION ]

ABATEMENT + DEMOLITION OF MEDWEST MEDICAL BUILDING [ $800,000 ]

ENDOWMENT (CLEEF) GROWTH [ $2.5 MILLION ]

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WHY NOW? Lutheran West is in a strong and exciting position a position that will allow for Forward in Faith to become a reality. In the history of our school, we have never had more: STUDENTS FINANCIAL STABILIT Y ENDOWMENT & PL ANNED GIF TS PROPERT Y STRENGTH IN OUR ALUM NI BASE

NOW IS THE TIME TO MOVE FORWARD IN FAITH, SETTING THE STAGE FOR LUTHERAN WEST TO BECOME A 6TH-12TH GRADE SCHOOL SERVING 800 STUDENTS. 22

CAMPAIGN CABINET Wally ʼ73 and Joyce Senney Campaign Chairs

NOW IS THE TIME TO MOVE FORWARD IN FAITH.

Corbin Blackburn ʼ09 Rev. Dr. David Buegler Kathy Kemper Busch ʼ82 Charlene Coughlin ʼ01 Aaron Esposito Dave Geye ʼ82 Chris Keller ʼ91

Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to me?

Tell the people of Israel to go forward.

Exodus 14:15

Rachel Lyons ʼ06 Kim Myers Gary ʼ86 and Patti Naim Mark Petro ʼ06 Trey Senney ʼ02

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#FORWARDINFAITH

3850 Linden Road | Rocky River, Ohio | 44116 LutheranWest.com

LutheranWest.com/ForwardinFaith