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A Message from Our Leaders

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A message from...

Have you heard of David’s mighty warriors? As I was reading through 2 Samuel, I noticed the mention of this group and their brave deeds . One verse in particular stood out to me: “Benaiah … also slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow .” - 2 Samuel 23:20 . It was shared so casually, especially with the use of the word “also” . Don’t let the … fool you into thinking that I left something contrary out . In fact, I left out several other brave deeds that might have helped prove my point . However, I think this much will do . As I stepped into this new role, I saw around me fragments of timidity, apprehension and uncertainty . Fortunately, I also saw hope, optimism and a desire for boldness . Now that was a fire I was excited to stoke . Even in the midst of a situation necessitating an “abundance of caution”, I heard from our families an appeal for leadership . Not just from me as a leader within the academy but leadership by the school itself .

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Be the school that determines the path forward .

Be the school that others look to for guidance .

Be confident! What I really heard in all of this was a plea: Don’t let fears or doubts keep Lipscomb Academy from doing what God has called it to do . I hope you see our leadership in action not only in response to your requests but also as our way to say, “Thank you for the sacrifices you have made and to thank you for your trust in us!” We are called to be bold, and that is what you can expect . Great things await us!

In partnership,

Brad Schultz, Ed .D . Head of School

Critical to the success of any institution is its mission that is used as a guiding rudder to help navigate deep waters . As the Academy faced significant challenges last year, important decisions were made, drawing from the school’s commitment to prepare students for collegiate and global experiences within an intentionally gracious Christian community . So much occurred within just a few weeks . Town hall meetings and difficult conversations took place to examine the diversity and cultural environment of the school . With only the week of spring break to prepare, teachers and staff pivoted to remote classes on Zoom as the pandemic closed schools across the country . And, there was the national search for a new head of school to replace Greg Glenn, who returned to Alabama . Dr . Brad Schultz began in this role on June 1 . Dr . Schultz is a strategic leader who served most recently as the head of school at Cross Schools in Bluffton, South Carolina, and spent 17 years in various roles at Greater Atlanta Christian School . I am so very pleased to welcome him, his wife Monica and son Dawson to the Lipscomb community . While there was significant disruption in the 2019-2020 academic year, there was also historic growth . On the Lower School’s Brewer Campus, the Solly School for students with special needs welcomed its first student . While 5,000 square feet of space is still under construction, when completed, this unique space will offer an activity room for physical therapy filled with tailored equipment that meets the unique needs of its students, ceiling lifts, a sensory room, conference rooms and flex spaces that will be used for occupational therapy, speech and other pertinent supports . The full 22,000-square-foot expansion of the lower school grades PreK-5 and the Solly School will be occupied in January 2021 . With a cost of $16 .5 million, it is the largest academic construction project in Lipscomb’s history . At the high school, Super Bowl champion Trent Dilfer began a new era of Mustang football when he began his first season as head coach . Immediate enhancements included pre-game community concerts and a high-tech makeover of the weight room and training facilities . And after the 2019 season, a new turf field was installed . With this annual report, I invite you to read more about Lipscomb Academy which remains a vibrant Christ-centered community that is committed to equipping students with resiliency beyond the COVID era for a lifetime of learning and service . Perhaps never has the value of its mission been more clear as it continues to equip students with the ability to think deeply and cross-culturally while exploring who they are and discovering who God wants them to be . L . Randolph Lowry

President, Lipscomb University

The Brad Schultz family, fifth-grader son Dawson and wife Monica, are happy to be joining the Lipscomb Academy family and returning home to their Tennessee roots.

Reaching above and beyond

New Head of School strives to go beyond education to transformation

Brad Schultz’s resume includes all the hallmarks of a strategic leader in education: serving as a principal, overseeing a capital expansion, a doctorate in education .

But Schultz’s leadership goes beyond the standard educational accomplishments, and he considers it his mission to ensure completion of eternal and larger goals for his students as well .

Schultz, who became Lipscomb Academy’s new Head of School in June, boosted enrollment and capital expansion at Cross Schools in Bluffton, South Carolina, and was also selected as one of twelve principals across the nation to be an educational researcher for Apple .

He’s a leader who laid the groundwork of offering high school grades for 2020-21 at Cross Schools and who also was one of three teachers in the state of Georgia to participate in Earth Explorer, travelling throughout the nation to teach in unique learning environments .

As an educator for the last two decades, he has focused on classroom learning innovation in both primary and secondary education, driven by perpetual learning and innovation . Now at Lipscomb, he’s working to inspire students and faculty to look beyond traditional classroom learning to achieve transformative growth .

“There are many things that go into quality learning, but the key ingredient is enthusiasm,” said Schultz, who not only educates, but who also led a varsity boys’ tennis team in Georgia to five state championships .

“I am very much looking forward to partnering with faculty, staff, students and parents as together we build boldly on this solid foundation and continue to transform the lives of our students,” said Schultz . “In Christian education, we have a much larger goal than just ensuring our students accomplish their educational goals, which is extremely humbling and rewarding, and I look forward to continuing this journey at Lipscomb Academy . ”

During his most recent three-year tenure as head of school at Cross Schools, Schultz led the school to increase in overall enrollment by 56 percent, student retention by 15 percent and students of color by 150 percent . Schultz also oversaw the construction of a $10 million facility expansion, including a makerspace lab, an environmental learning center, a regulation-size soccer field, a full-size gymnasium and an upper grades educational learning wing .

Prior to his role at Cross Schools, Schultz spent 17 years at Greater Atlanta Christian School where he held the roles of teacher, assistant principal, principal and chief innovation officer, an appropriate role for someone who partnered with Microsoft designers to create virtual reality software through the HoloLens technology project .

As a champion of inclusivity and diversity, Schultz focused his dissertation on an independent Christian school’s intentional efforts to significantly diversify its student body after decades in existence .

Stated in Schultz’s dissertation, “It is not uncommon for a river to change its course over a long period of time . This is typically due to naturally occurring events like erosion and flooding . There are times, however, when people reroute rivers to either bring water to designated areas or to direct the water elsewhere to avoid flooding . Either way, there are often unexpected outcomes and unintended consequences that must be addressed ."

In the end, Schultz points to lessons learned whether through history or current and relevant experiences . As famously stated by Norman Maclean, “Eventually, all things merge into one and a river runs through it .”

Brad Schultz, Ed.D.

Education

Bachelor of Science, Freed-Hardeman University

Master of Education and Education Specialist, then-North Georgia College and State University

Doctor of Education, Georgia Southern University

Career

Cross Schools, 2017-2020 Head of School

Greater Atlanta Christian School, 2000-2017 Chief Innovation Officer Principal Assistant Principal Educator, fifth grade

Home Life

Wife: Monica

Son: Dawson, fifth grade

Favorite grade to teach: fifth

Schultz is a published mathematician: the Schultz Differential Theorem

Schultz coached his tennis team to five Georgia state championships .

Leadership to meet greater goals

Lipscomb Academy leadership brings fresh vision, diversity of experience and insight

The year 2020 will likely be remembered as a year of challenges, but the Lipscomb Academy community may well remember it as a year that launched new energy, diverse perspective and vision in the mission of the 2-year-old through 12th grade institution .

In addition to welcoming new Head of School Brad Schultz (M .Ed ., Ed .S ., Ed .D .), the leadership of the academy has been expanded and reorganized to provide closer interactions and foster deeper relationships with students and their parents at each level of the institution . As the academy moves forward in its ambitious plans to provide an innovative learning environment for students, Lipscomb officials have intentionally assembled a robust leadership team with diverse educational experiences, life stories and insight .

In response to the perspectives and values of its family community, the academy has established an associate head of school and assistant head of school position (synonymous to a principal and assistant principal) for each level: the lower school (age two through fourth grade), the middle school (fifth through eighth grades) and the upper school (ninth through twelfth grade) . The expanded leadership structure includes five faculty and staff members who have or will earn a doctoral degree by May 2021, one former professional football player and two with corporate management experience .

Additional new hires and positions now making up the leadership team are: Academics Jesse Savage (M.Ed., Candidate Ed.D.)

Associate Head of Upper School

Savage has 14 years of service at Lipscomb Academy and a total of 16 years’ experience in both public and independent schools . At Lipscomb, Savage has held various roles in teaching and curriculum development, as educator in both the middle and high schools, as assistant principal, as dean of academics and faculty development, and in coaching middle and high school teams .

Ken Robinson

Assistant Head of Upper School

An 18-year veteran educator, Robinson taught and coached at four schools in Georgia . He was also a linebacker and team captain for the University of South Carolina NCAA Division I football team and played two seasons for the NFL’s Washington Redskins . Prior to his career in academia, Robinson successfully spent 14 years in leadership roles as a trainer and logistics administrator for Rocor International and Swift Transportation .

Casey Farris (M.Ed., Principal Certification Texas)

Associate Head of Middle School and Mustang Life

For the last 22 years, Farris has worked in Christian education, including most recently as Lipscomb Academy interim head of school this spring and as associate head of school for advancement for three years . Before moving to Nashville to serve at the academy, Farris worked as head of school at Cornerstone Christian Academy and in various capacities at Westbury Christian School in Houston .

Crystal Hastings (M.Ed., Ed.S., Ed.D.)

Assistant Head of Middle School

Educator and administrator Hastings brings 23 years of teaching and leadership to Lipscomb . Hastings served as principal and assistant principal at Christiana Middle School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee . Prior to leading in an administrative capacity, she taught high school English and journalism for four years in Williamson County (Tennessee) Schools and 11 years at Antioch High School in Nashville .

Allen Long (MBA, M.Ed., Candidate Ed.D.)

Associate Head of Lower School

After 22 years as a corporate executive, Long switched career paths to dedicate his talent and passion to teaching children . He was tenured faculty at Edmondson Elementary School in Brentwood, Tennessee, before arriving at Lipscomb Academy in 2019 to serve as head of upper school . Prior to his career in education, Long served in leadership roles in human resources and various operational capacities for companies, including Tractor Supply Company, Carter’s/ OshKosh B’Gosh Childrenswear and Batten & Shaw Inc .

Katy Flatt (M.Ed., Ed.D., ELL Endorsement)

Assistant Head of Lower School

Flatt joined Lipscomb Academy’s Lower School in 2019 as the assistant dean of academics . In her 12 years working in education, Flatt has taught first, second, third, fifth and sixth grades; and worked as an instructional coach, a math Response to Intervention coordinator, a data analyst for English Language Arts and math, and professional development leader for Williamson County (Tennessee) Schools . Advancement Eric Adams (MBA)

Associate Head of School for Advancement

A 10-year fundraising industry veteran, Adams served as director of annual and leadership giving at Franklin Road Academy . During his tenure at FRA, he helped grow the annual fund by over 30 percent and cultivated a portfolio of nearly 150 leadership prospects . Adams was formerly executive director of annual giving at the YMCA of Middle Tennessee and was director of patron engagement for the Nashville Symphony .

Athletics Michelle York (CMAA)

Associate Head of School for Athletics

York became associate head of school for athletics in 2019 after serving at Heritage Christian School as director of athletics (AD) for seven years, assistant AD for nine years and as varsity volleyball head coach for 16 years . In the Heritage AD role, she oversaw 18 high school sports, 17 middle school sports and more than 100 coaches, led Heritage Christian into a new conference and directed the implementation of a major $1 .2 million athletics facilities plan . She also served as an assistant volleyball coach at the University of Mississippi for eight years and as head volleyball coach at Christian Brothers University .

Enrollment, Finance and Operations Jerold Givens (MBA)

Associate Head of Enrollment, Finance and Operations

A corporate marketing executive, Givens joined the academy in 2016 to oversee external affairs, including enrollment, communications, marketing and facilities . Prior to relocating to Nashville, he spent 23 years at Texas Instruments serving in various strategic marketing, customer relations and organizational development capacities .

Our path is pointed in an upward trajectory, focused on the eternal

C .S . Lewis once said, “Hardships often prepare one another and equipping our students for life ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny .” beyond secondary education, and it is through this Lewis understood that difficult experiences experience that we continue to gain knowledge and generate personal growth similar to the process dedicate ourselves to celebrating our differences . of carbon under pressure and intense heat creating a diamond . Because growth can be Hiring educators of color who are exceptionally burdensome, it requires self-reflection, humility qualified and competent must be a priority for and the determination and ability to continue the academy . Equity growth is essential so that moving forward . After having traveled through a the academy may better reflect all communities it complicated period of circumstances, we found that serves . Too often, diversity initiatives are limited hardships intersected with opportunities of grace to the admission process rather than involving the and growth . entire institution . Looking at recent faculty, staff The events of the 2019-20 academic year rattled has already been placed in action for the 2020-21 Lipscomb Academy as many unique obstacles academic year . presented themselves . Voices were heard . Emotions were conveyed . Boldness was articulated . In order to construct trusting relationships, And as a result, excellence was recommitted . Our effective, frequent and transparent communication path was indeed jarring, yet we remain committed is paramount . Leadership understands that in order to our missional journey . to feel connected to a community, one must be informed and feel valued . Therefore, the academy Just as the body of Christ is made up of many parts, has committed to sharing weekly updates and the Lipscomb Academy community is comprised of informing the community of essential decisions many ideas, beliefs and values, and each individual that affect the institution as a whole . is important to the school . As the need for a community vocalization platform became evident, The health and safety of students, faculty and staff leadership provided opportunities for the academy is a priority for Lipscomb Academy . When faced with family to share thoughts about the vision of navigating through the unchartered waters of an Lipscomb . What resulted was the reinvigoration of unprecedented pandemic, leadership assembled values that have upheld our 129-year-old institution, task forces to construct a wellness plan to ready the and with careful discernment, the direction of campus for the return of students for the 2020-21 Lipscomb Academy became evident: respect for academic year . The social, emotional and physical diversity, the need for transparent communication well-being of all individuals was carefully considered and the creation of a strong wellness strategy . After and visualized before implementing, and great incorporating many heartfelt conversations, a plan strides were taken to ensure a safe return . was forged from the ashes of conflict . “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens Creating a respectful environment for all students, another .” - Ps . 27:17 . A unified community is faculty and staff is key to fulfilling Lipscomb crucial, and community relies upon leadership to Academy’s mission . As educators, we endeavor to steer . Through accountability and counsel, Lipscomb prepare all who leave our campus to be competent Academy’s path is pointed in an upward trajectory across cultures, a feat that takes respect and focusing on the eternal, as well as mending and collaboration from all parties . Diversity should cultivating internal and external relationships . always be valued, embraced and authentically incorporated in how we serve our community . We are all on this continuous journey edifying and administrators hired, this intentional initiative

Responding with Resilience

Lipscomb responds to COVID-19 with new instructional skills, new technology and emergency plans

The Lipscomb Academy family found itself challenged like never before this past school year with the COVID-19 physical distancing guidelines forcing the academy to suspend in-person learning as of March 23 .

Lipscomb Academy rose to the challenge, however, transitioning to a virtual learning environment rapidly . Then, following local, regional and national educational standards, the academy ended the year with teachers delivering instruction, connecting with students and assessing for mastery in new ways that will forever change the traditional approaches and methods of instruction .

Surveys taken throughout the spring semester showed that parents at the lower school appreciated projects that took learning outside of technology, such as hands-on science labs . In the upper grades, student study groups were established, and students became more responsible for their own learning . Parents affirmed that there was more effective technology usage in the classrooms by both teachers and students and an increase in teachers connecting with students via Zoom at grade level .

The fall 2020 semester started with teachers even better prepared and with enhanced technology to improve both in-person, and if needed, virtual learning throughout the 2020-21 school year .

Prior to the start of the fall semester, teachers underwent additional technology training on new learning management systems, Screencastify, Seesaw and Schoology, that have been implemented at the lower school . Technology staff researched and purchased OWL and Logitech livestream cameras so students at home are receiving the same level of instruction as those physically in the classroom .

Finally, Lipscomb Academy established four learning models to potentially be used in stages if the need for hybrid scenarios becomes evident .

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