UPDATE FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD POLICY COMMITTEE

The Policy Committee has spent the past several months reviewing the foundational documents that define ZCS, both in culture and as a non-profit entity. From this basis, a new set of documents, which incorporate the best elements of the past blended with new elements taken from both current law and current best practices at the school, are taking shape. These documents will serve as a springboard into the future as the school presses on in being faithful to the mission God has given us. In the end, we anticipate the following set of guiding documents at ZCS:

It is, of course, the desire of the Board that the foundation at ZCS remain the same in the future as it was at its inception. Following is an excerpt directly from the “Constitution” of Zeeland Christian, the writing of which is dated 1945: “The purpose of the Society for Christian Instruction is to train children, in co-operation with the parents in such a way that they, as fellow-workers with God, can perform their duties in this world, to the glory of God, to their own well-being, and to the welfare of others.” What a delight to read those words from seventy-five years ago, and have them so confirmed in our spirit as we take inventory of who we are in 2020 and who we remain committed to being into the future! We have been motivated as a Committee to meticulously review past documents and consider how to honor their intent today through the use of documents that will provide sound governance for years to come.

In the end, we anticipate the following set of guiding documents at ZCS:

1 - Articles of Organization (filing updates with State of Michigan and IRS) 2 - The Constitution (remains identical) 3 - Bylaws (amended and restated) 4 - Policy Manual (to be compiled and updated by Board and Administration)

In addition to the typical approvals of budget and new board members at our annual Society Meeting, we will be bringing the amended and restated Bylaws for review and approval by the Society as well. The updated Bylaws will be published in March, ahead of the Society Meeting in April. The Bylaws and the accompanying information will remind us who is part of the Society of Zeeland Christian, how the Board of Trustees is formed and operates, and how the Society is governed.

On behalf of the Policy Committee, thank you, and we welcome your continued prayers as we do our best to steward this process well.

Ann Hemmeke, ZCS Board Member & Policy Committee Chair

Ann Hemmeke, ZCS Board Member & Policy Committee Chair