The Organization
Lenawee Christian School is part of a larger ministry called Lenawee Christian Ministries (LCM) which is an umbrella ministry that exists to promote spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and social wellness. They accomplish their mission primarily by operating two separate but related entities:
Lenawee Christian School (LCS): A 500+ student K-12 ACSI accredited institution
The Centre: A Christian community center with approximately 7,800 members.
Viewed as a whole, LCM has an annual budget of approximately $8.5 million and is located in Adrian, MI. They employ 87 full-time, 185 part-time faculty and staff. The school accounts for the vast majority of that with 52 FT and 77 PT employees, all on site in Adrian, MI.
Learn more about LCS HERE.
The Opportunity
The LCM Board of Directors seeks a Head of School to partner with and lead Lenawee Christian School into their next exciting chapter. As Head of School, they will oversee the administrative, educational, and spiritual functions of Lenawee Christian School. Reporting to the LCM CEO, the Head of School will play a pivotal role in advancing the school’s mission, philosophy, and policies through daily efforts. This visionary educator will work hand in hand with the ministry, community, families, students, and teachers as they motivate and educate students in a Christ-centered environment.
THEIR STORY
In 1977, Orville and Ruth Merillat founded Trenton Hills Christian School as a way of giving back to the community. Their desire was to prepare students spiritually and academically while working in partnership with their families and churches. Their belief was that a good education will produce active and strong leaders in our families, communities, ministries, governments, and businesses.
In the mid-1980s, after seeing consistent growth in the school, the Merillat family purchased a 75-acre farm on the corner of Wolf Creek Highway and U.S. 223 on the west side of Adrian, Michigan. Their desire was to provide a Christian education that would serve the spiritual needs of students from many area churches, as an interdenominational school. That new campus, called Lenawee Christian School, opened in October of 1986.
The Christian Family Centre, or The Centre, was a later addition to LCM and a desire to care for the whole person. The Centre serves the community through the use of its wellness programs and facilities. In addition, it houses an outside company that does physical therapy and movement rehabilitation. An outside pool and play area, known as Corner Park, is the most recent addition.
The Ministry remains strongly centered on Christ, with a firm faith emphasis.
Statement of Faith
WE BELIEVE the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
WE BELIEVE that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
WE BELIEVE in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right-hand of the Father as the only mediator between God and man, and in His personal return in power and glory.
WE BELIEVE that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential.
WE BELIEVE in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
WE BELIEVE in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
WE BELIEVE in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ
WHAT THEY DO
Mission
Lenawee Christian School exists in partnership with the family and church to integrate biblical truth for life with a commitment to glorifying Jesus Christ through academic excellence and spiritual maturity.
Lenawee Christian School (LCS) is a fully ACSI-accredited Pre-K through 12th grade school serving just over 500 students. LCS offers a college prep curriculum with a broad range of fine arts, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities. The school also offers a diverse group of college dual enrollment and AP courses. They are an open enrollment school (not covenant).
Lenawee Christian School is a non-denominational, coeducational institution, preschool through grade twelve. The school is committed to the historic Christian perspective of life as set forth in the Bible, recognizing God as the Creator of all things, the Son of God as Savior of all who believe in Him, and the Holy Spirit as the Comforter and Convictor of all who believe in Him.
Safe and Nurturing Environment:
High level of campus security equipment and training
Daily Bible lessons to reinforce Christ-like behavior
Parent-partners are welcome in the building at any time during the day
Academic Excellence:
The literacy training provides support for all students to reach or exceed grade level by 5th grade
Emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving from K-12 in all subject areas
Highly sought graduates by colleges and universities all over the world
Spiritual Formation:
Biblical truths integrated into all subjects
Small groups in our secondary school are focused on spiritual discipleship and mentorship
Weekly Chapel services for Little Cougars and Elementary, Middle, and High School students
Local, regional, and global service opportunities
Experiences Beyond the Classroom:
Missions trips
Fine Arts: Visual, performing, dramatic
Learning clubs & camps
Check out the LCS YouTube Channel HERE.
LCM Shared Services is comprised of various departments whose work serves both the school and the Centre. These include business services, development, human resources, information technology, marketing, and physical plant.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position: Head of School
Classification: Salaried, Exempt
Reports to: Lenawee Christian Ministries CEO
Works closely with: Parental Advisory Board
Company: Lenawee Christian School
Location: Adrian, MI
About the Role:
Lenawee Christian Ministries is seeking an experienced and visionary Head of School to lead and oversee the administrative, educational, and spiritual functions of Lenawee Christian School. The Head of School will play a pivotal role in advancing the school’s mission, philosophy, and policies, aligning them with the overarching vision of the LCM board. The successful candidate will be a key figure in building strong connections with parents, local communities, and prospective parents, helping shape the future of Lenawee Christian School.
Key Responsibilities:
Spiritual leadership
Provide spiritual guidance, fostering a Christ-centered school environment.
Promote a strong Christian worldview among students, faculty, and staff.
Foster faculty growth through spiritual and academic in-service opportunities.
Lead regular devotions, chapel services, and prayer initiatives.
Educational Leadership:
Oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive educational program.
Foster a culture of academic excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Ensure high standards for instructional supplies, textbooks, and equipment.
Oversee all aspects of the school’s curriculum and educational programming.
Ensure alignment with accreditation standards and educational best practices.
Assess and evaluate secondary teachers and staff.
Administrative Oversight:
Effectively communicate and implement the board’s vision to the school staff.
Collaborate with administrators to ensure the successful execution of this vision.
Supervise, evaluate, and support all administrative staff.
Play a key role in staff recruitment and dismissals, particularly for non-professional personnel.
Manage the school’s yearly calendar and provide strategic planning leadership.
Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and execute the school’s strategic plan.
Identify opportunities for growth and expansion while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Student Support:
Develop and maintain programs that cater to students with academic difficulties or special needs.
Facilitate student retention and recruitment by establishing dynamic enrollment campaigns.
Public Relations and Fundraising:
Assist in the implementation of effective public relations and fundraising programs.
Build a network within the community to support the school’s initiatives.
Compliance and Testing:
Ensure compliance with the Association of Christian Schools International, North Central Association, and State of Michigan certification requirements.
Oversee standardized testing processes to achieve high scores.
Requirements
Minimum of five years of teaching and administrative experience.
A master’s degree in education is required.
Must be able to meet certification requirements for the Association of Christian Schools International, Cognia (formerly North Central Association), and the State of Michigan.
Character:
Exemplify Christian character and values in accordance with the lifestyle agreement.
A committed, actively participating member of a local Bible-believing church or fellowship.
Competence:
Cultivate positive and effective relationships that foster trust and respect among all stakeholders.
Apply rigorous logic and problem-solving skills to find effective solutions.
Possess advanced communication and public relations skills.
Lenawee Christian School is an equal-opportunity employer.
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
Opportunities
The LCM facilities are first-rate, and the financials are strong. Members are returning to the Centre and enrollment interest continues to grow. There is a significant opportunity to share the value of Christian Education with members of the Centre, a built-in market.
Many teachers and parents are alumni themselves, which perpetuates a strong tradition of loyalty as reflected in their participation in the recurring annual traditions of LCS Homecoming, Donuts with Dads, Muffins with Mom, Fall Fest and strong ties to the Christian community such as the Pastoral Partnership Luncheon.
Challenges
In an environment with many strong traditions and such a rich history, it is possible to have a “rinse and repeat” mentality. The next HOS should lead the school into a growth mindset, exploring new areas of curriculum and programming to lead into the future.
The community has declined in population over the years and the median income remains somewhat low. Finding ways to grow the enrollment of the school to reduce the subsidy from the Foundation will be important as LCM moves into its next season.
ABOUT ADRIAN, MI
Adrian, “The Maple City,” is located in the southeast corner of Michigan, in Lenawee County, close to the Ohio border. The city is a vibrant four-season destination, approximately 30 miles southwest of Ann Arbor and 30 miles northwest of Toledo, Ohio. The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport provides international air service less than two hours away. The population is around 20,000, and the median home price is a reasonable $179,000. The cost of living is low, so to purchase a 3 BR/2B home would be $250-300,000. Adrian has historical architectural gems such as the former Adrian Library, now home to the Lenawee County Historical Museum, the historic Croswell Opera House, and a professional symphony. There are two centers of higher education, Adrian College and Siena Heights University, as well as numerous recreational facilities. Finally, this city offers a renovated and vintage downtown district with local shops and eateries with friendly people and handcrafted items.
NEXT STEPS
If, after prayerfully reviewing this information, you believe this role fits you well, or if you know someone you would like to recommend, please contact:
Dr. Rich Kidd, Partner
mobile :: (757) 642–0622
company main :: (615) 422–0884
email :: rich@missionleadership.org