President Fort Worth Christian School

Transcription

1 School Leadership Opportunity: President Fort Worth Christian School North Richland Hills, Texas A Christ centered community where every child is loved and valued, Fort Worth Christian School offers a college preparatory education infused with a biblical worldview to nearly 800 students in grades Pre Kindergarten 12. Founded in 1958 and situated on a 40 acre campus in suburban Fort Worth, FWC provides wide ranging opportunities in academics, athletics, and fine arts, all geared to the development of graduates who are well prepared academically, socially, and spiritually for lives of faith and service. In its search for a President to take office in July 2016, Fort Worth Christian School is seeking an experienced, inspiring, and unifying leader who will govern with biblical integrity while guiding the school to new heights of excellence and accountability across all dimensions of school life. APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 11, 2016

2 MISSION AND STATEMENT OF FAITH Fort Worth Christian School is a Christ-centered community where every child is loved and valued, taught excellence in and out of the classroom, and empowered by a biblical worldview for a lifetime of faith and service. Read the FWC Statement of Faith here: VITAL STATISTICS FOUNDED: 1958 LOCATION: ENROLLMENT: 793 Elementary (PK-5:) 233 Middle (6-8): 232 Upper (9-12): 328 MINORITY STUDENTS: 18% FACULTY: OPERATING BUDGET: 40-acre campus in North Tarrant County 112 full-time faculty with an average tenure of 7 years; 31% with advanced degrees $10.2 million FINANCIAL AID: ENDOWMENT: $612,000 DEBT: $208,500 to 12% of student body $6.3 million FUNDS RAISED ( ): $590,800 ACCREDITATION: MEMBER: AdvancED, National Christian Schools Association, Texas Christian Schools Association Texas Association of Non-Public Schools, Texas Independent School Consortium, Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools, Education Service Center Region XI TUITION: $9,165-$14,635 ON THE WEB: 2

3 SIGNATURE STRENGTHS & DEFINING ATTRIBUTES FWC students enjoy the best of both worlds a multitude of learning opportunities in an environment with a healthy, smalltown feel. Asked to describe their school s defining characteristics, families and faculty point to the loving spirit that suffuses daily life at FWC, as well as the breadth of educational opportunities and the quality of teaching. Closely affiliated with the Church of Christ throughout much of its 58 year history, FWC today is a nondenominational Christian school welcoming families with a range of spiritual practices who share the desire to provide their children with a well rounded, faith filled educational experience. THE STUDENT BODY FWC students are a hardworking and able group, all of whom are college bound. The Class of 2014 included a National Merit Finalist, and the school typically has two to three Commended Students each year. Mean SAT scores for the Class of 2015 were 532 Critical Reading, 542 Math, and 515 writing all well above state and national averages. The mean ACT Composite score was Over the past five years, graduates were admitted to a total of 178 colleges and universities and enrolled in more than 100 institutions. About one quarter of FWC graduates choose to enroll in a Christian college. Last year, the 89 graduating seniors matriculated at colleges in 14 states and four countries. In addition to its home base of North Richland Hills, FWC draws students from many suburban communities, including Keller, Colleyville, Grapevine, and Southlake, as well as the city of Fort Worth. 3

4 THE FACULTY, ADMINISTRATION, AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES With an average tenure of seven years at the school, FWC s dedicated faculty includes a healthy mix of veterans and newcomers. Strengthening their connections to the school family, many are also current or past parents. (The school offers 50 percent tuition remission.) Students and parents praise the faculty for their teaching skills, their commitment to the school s Christ centered mission, and, above all, the genuine love they demonstrate for the children. The eight member senior administrative team reporting to the President includes the Chief Operating Officer (now serving as Acting President), the Controller, the Director of Development, the Director of Spiritual Life, all three campus principals, and the Director of Athletics. The Directors of Admission, Communication, Technology, and Maintenance report to the COO. All three principals are newly appointed (two were promoted from within the school) this year, as is the Director of Spiritual Life. The 14 member Board of Trustees is a dedicated, caring, and business minded group that provides active stewardship on the school s behalf. Its members are committed to ensuring that FWC lives its mission and exemplifies a commitment to excellence. LOCATION, CAMPUS, AND FACILITIES Situated on a 40 acre suburban campus that was once a dairy farm, FWC s facilities are valued at $14 million and include 10 buildings. The magnificent new Chapel and Performing Arts Center (pictured on the front page), which opened in 2015, features a 700 seat auditorium with first rate AV and lighting equipment as well as a band hall and practice rooms. Other recent improvements include a science and technology center, and new administrative offices. Athletic facilities include two gyms; a football stadium with a newly refurbished turf field and an eight lane track; and softball, baseball, and soccer fields. FWC s home is North Richland Hills, a suburban community of more than 67,300 residents located in North Tarrant County, just minutes from Dallas and Fort Worth. In recognition of its quality of life and economy, North Richland Hills was named one of the 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. by Money magazine in The Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex has experienced a remarkable boom over the past decade. Now the nation s 16th largest city, Fort Worth boasts a diversified economy and five downtown entertainment districts that collectively offer a wealth of historical, cultural, dining, and shopping experiences. Located just 17 miles away is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, offering 1,900 daily flights to more than 200 destinations. 4

5 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM Dedicated to shaping lives that change the world, Fort Worth Christian School infuses Christian principles throughout its wideranging academic, fine arts, and athletic offerings. The school has published a Graduate Profile (available at that clearly articulates its commitment to developing the spiritual, academic, and social dimensions of each of its students. Counselors in elementary, middle, and high school assist students in developing life skills, and two registered nurses are on campus to meet health related needs. The school has distinguished itself among its competitors with a strong commitment to the integration of technology. Each elementary student is provided with an ipad, and all Middle and High School students and faculty receive MacBooks. The three member technology staff also maintains two computer labs, and the Technology Coordinator is an Apple Certified Technician who trains selected students to earn the same designation. An exciting array of technology classes begins in the Elementary School with Lego Robotics and continues into the High School, where students may pursue computer science and other technology electives. Parents are a vital component of the FWC experience. Parents Web, an online communications tool, enables students, parents, and faculty to communicate about assignments, grades, and schedules. Parent organizations include the Parent Teacher Fellowship, Associated Women for Christian Education, Locker Room Prayer Moms, a Sports Booster Club, and All Pro Dads, among others. Highlights of the educational program include the following: SPIRITUAL LIFE Building spiritual community at FWC starts from the beginning of enrollment with new families. ParentPartners is a Spiritual Life, relationship based initiative that pairs incoming families with existing families to mentor and help with transition into the FWC family. Exemplifying the belief that all of one s life should bring glory to God, FWC teachers integrate Christian perspectives throughout the academic curriculum and in extracurricular offerings. Students attend a daily chapel service under the direction of the Director of Spiritual Life. Furthermore, Middle School and High School students experience leadership opportunities with student led Worship Teams serving in chapel services and student led Spiritual Life Groups meeting weekly during lunch. Daily Bible classes begin in the Elementary School, which uses a nondenominational curriculum from Positive Action for Christ. In Middle School, sixth graders complete a survey of the Bible and then are split by gender in grades 7 and 8 to study Proverbs & Wisdom and Christian Worldview. In addition to Apologetics and Biblical Text studies, High School students receive instruction in both Servant Leadership and Christian Mentorship. 5

6 Translating belief into action, FWC students participate in service activities throughout their school careers. Outreach culminates in the High School with local and international mission trips that have taken students to destinations including Peru, Panama, and Thailand. PRE-KINDERGARTEN AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (K-5) Beginning with three and five day programs for four yearolds and continuing through fifth grade, the Elementary School offers a loving environment and a rich curriculum. The program includes phonics based language arts, Everyday Mathematics, hands on science instruction, and enrichment classes in art, technology, music, physical education, Spanish, and Library. Older students have the opportunity to participate in academic meets, overnight trips, and Student Council. Operated on the FWC campus but as an independent entity, the Klubhouse is a fully licensed before and after school care and enrichment program used by many school families. The ʺLittleʺ Klubhouse is a Christian preschool for three year olds that serves as an important feeder to the Elementary School. MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRADES 6-8) Providing a bridge from the highly structured elementary grades to the more independent environment of the High School, FWC s Middle School is carefully designed to meet the needs of students in this age group. The traditional academic schedule includes seven instructional periods. The curriculum progresses to courses that allow students to earn high school credit in Algebra and Integrated Physics/Chemistry. Elective offerings include Band, World Drumming, Strings, Chorus, Art, Speech and Drama, and Home Economics. Eighth graders may take Spanish, Latin, or Technology for high school credit. Beyond the classroom, Middle Schoolers travel to Searcy, AR; Big Bend National Park; Washington, D.C.; and New York City on class trips. Academic competitions, leadership opportunities, and athletics round out the program. HIGH SCHOOL (GRADES 9-12) The FWC High School offers a college preparatory curriculum that includes 14 pre AP classes and 13 AP classes. Students may receive up to 35 college semester hours of credit concurrent with high school credits in Bible, English, History, Math, and Spanish. Thirty credits are required for graduation, including four years of Bible, English, Math, History, and Science; two years of a single Foreign Language, one and a half years of Physical Education/Athletics, and one year of Technology and Fine Arts. High School students follow a modified block schedule. 6

7 High School students have access to dozens of enrichment opportunities, including the yearbook, the student newspaper, Student Council, and the National Honor Society, among others. Cheerleaders and the Cardinal Crew contribute to school spirit. State and national academic and artistic competitions allow students to challenge themselves and meet students from other schools. Cultural trips to other countries are offered each year during spring break. ATHLETICS Athletics is a vital aspect of the FWC program, with more than 85 percent of students participating on at least one interscholastic team. Competing in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools, FWC fields teams in football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, tennis, golf, track, cheerleading, swimming, and cross country. Interscholastic opportunities begin in seventh grade. The Cardinals earned a state championship in football this year and volleyball and cross country in recent years. Several other teams made it to the state playoff level. Forty coaches are employed in the athletics program, including 18 teachers that also coach. THE ARTS FWC s rapidly growing arts programs allow students to develop and showcase their individual gifts and talents. Impressive examples of student artwork are displayed throughout campus buildings. The new Chapel and Performing Arts Center provides students with the opportunity to perform in a state of the art setting. The theater department produces three shows a year, including a musical and two one act competition shows. The school also has a chapter of the International Thespian Society. Students in the Band, Marching Band Color Guard, Choir, and Orchestra perform and compete in state and national competitions. OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT The next President will join an institution with a strong foundational heritage, a healthy balance sheet, a deep sense of community, and a history of graduating well rounded individuals. FWC has an alumni base that dates back more than 50 years, a proven track record of academic and extracurricular excellence, and a legacy of providing a Christ centered education. For an experienced educational leader with the skills necessary to build upon FWC s solid foundation, the presidency offers the opportunity to exercise transformational leadership to drive improvement and excellence. The next President will help to shape a strategic vision and implement change where needed. 7

8 The Board has identified the following five year strategic themes: Identity Formation: Capturing the heart of who we are a place where every child is valued and loved. Talent Development: Making FWC known as a phenomenal place to work with exceptional teachers and leaders who are provided with impactful and relevant development opportunities. Go for Growth: Growing our enrollment and expanding our Elementary School into a vibrant and thriving campus. Operational Excellence: Ensuring that we focus on our core education competencies and do them with excellence, while also implementing operational best practices that ensure we run our school in an effective, transparent, and stewardship minded way. Community Engagement: We want to be a school where every student, every parent, and every member of our staff feels engaged and valued. The Board of Trustees is eager to work alongside the new President to move the school forward in accordance with these strategic priorities. FWC is eager for a strong, confident leader who is both a team builder and a problem solver. The Board is seeking a President who is accomplished in change management and willing to confront issues. The school family will welcome a visible leader and an inspiring communicator. Members of all constituencies agree that the President of FWC must be a faithful Christian and a servant leader. Acting always with biblical integrity and with respect for FWC s history, the new President will need to navigate the diverse spiritual composition of the school s family. Founded by members of the Church of Christ, FWC now includes a broader spectrum of faith backgrounds. FWC values its rich heritage and welcomes families from all backgrounds of faith into a spiritually thriving community. In addition, the next President will be expected to bring business acumen, good ideas, and energy to the following areas of focus: ADMISSIONS AND MARKETING FWC operates in a highly competitive educational marketplace that includes well regarded public and private schools. Faced with increased tuition rates, some FWC families are expressing increasing concerns about affordability. FWC s current enrollment of 793 represents a decline from its highest ever enrollment of 875 students. At full capacity, the school could accommodate 1,100 students. As a result, marketing strategy will be a top priority for the new President. The Board of Trustees is already acting aggressively to confront this challenge, commissioning demographic research and implementing a marketing plan designed to broaden the school s outreach. As part of that effort, the next President will be asked to offer both strategic insights and hands on leadership in making the case for FWC within the school family and in the broader community. A particular focus will be the parents of younger children. Exposed early to the quality and warmth of the FWC experience, families are much more likely to choose Fort Worth Christian School for their children s entire K 12 education. FACILITIES For both marketing and programmatic reasons, the new President also will want to devote considerable attention to planning for new facilities. Building upon the nearly 30,000 square feet of new construction that has greatly enhanced the campus over the past five years, FWC will need to move forward in the coming years to replace the aging Elementary and Middle School buildings, relocate the library, and enhance the athletic facilities. FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT While FWC s $10.2 million operating budget is balanced, the recent enrollment declines have resulted in the need for more stringent cost controls. The school s $6.3 million debt, all related to the construction of the new Chapel and Performing Arts Center, is financed by a 20 year bond issue. Continued careful financial stewardship under the President s direction will be required. 8

9 The school s long term financial sustainability will depend upon the establishment of a comprehensive institutional advancement program. FWC raised more than $3 million in a capital campaign to support the new center, and the school has established its first endowment fund. An Annual Fund campaign was conducted for the first time this year, raising $135,000. Building upon these efforts, the new President will be asked to actively spearhead the creation of a highly professional and well thought out development program. Already concerned about affordability, many parents have expressed frustration at the dozens of individual small fundraising efforts in each division. Consolidating these disparate initiatives while broadening outreach to alumni and other non parent prospects will be important elements of the President s charge. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES Fort Worth Christian School is seeking an inspiring, engaging, and faith filled Christian leader who is committed to excellence and continuous improvement in pursuit of the school s enduring mission. Ideally, the successful candidate will possess most of the following: PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS Demonstrated ability to hire, inspire, support, and strengthen a talented faculty, staff, and administration. The ability and willingness to lead institutional advancement efforts within and beyond the school community, including fundraising and marketing Leadership experience in an educational setting. Solid academic credentials, including an advanced degree. Exceptional communication and public speaking skills. Excellent management and administrative skills. Financial acumen. LEADERSHIP TRAITS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES A hands on, visible leader who is eager to be actively engaged with all constituencies. A unifying leader with exceptional interpersonal skills; a relationship builder who is skilled in change management A confident, visionary, and strategically minded leader who is fully committed to all aspects of the FWC mission. A servant leader who acts with humility and places a biblical worldview at the center of decision making. A highly professional leader who sets high standards and holds people accountable. A wise and careful steward of the school s resources financial, physical, and human. 9

10 ANTICIPATED SEARCH CALENDAR Application deadline: March 11, 2016 Selection of semifinalists: March 21, 2016 Semifinalist interviews: April 1 3, 2016 Finalist visits: April 2016 Appointment: May 2016 Starting date: July 2016 THE SEARCH PROCESS AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Acting on behalf of Fort Worth Christian School, Wickenden Associates is actively recruiting talented educational leaders who possess the skills, personal qualities, and experience necessary to meet the requirements of this rewarding and challenging position. The lead consultants, both of whom may be reached at (609) , are James Wickenden (jwickenden@wickenden.com) and Susan Walters (swalters@wickenden.com). Candidates should submit no later than Friday, March 11, 2016, an application package including the following: A cover letter indicating why you are particularly interested in and qualified for the position. A current résumé. A personal statement of faith. The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references, including professional references and a reference from your church. (We will obtain your permission before contacting any references.) Optionally, other supporting material (e.g. an educational philosophy statement, a biblical worldview statement, articles, or speeches) that would be useful to the Search Committee. These materials should be transmitted via attachment to searches@wickenden.com. After an initial review of applicants, the Search Committee will interview semifinalist candidates over the weekend of April 1 3, Shortly thereafter, finalists will be invited to Fort Worth Christian School for a more comprehensive series of interviews with representatives of the school s constituencies. Wickenden Associates will keep all applicants informed of their status throughout the process Herrontown Road, Princeton, New Jersey Tel: Fax: Website: searches@wickenden.com 10