OACS News Service

Unique governance model works for London school
Self-perpetuating board operates thriving school
Wednesday April 16, 2008 -- Michelle Strutzenberger
London Christian Academy is seeing success with a governance model that is relatively unique among Christian schools in Ontario.

Many independent Christian schools are operated by a group or society comprised primarily of parents. The society elects a board of trustees from among its members to govern the school. Society-members have voting power on board decisions.

In contrast, the London school is run by a self-perpetuating board of directors. The board alone has decision-making power, although it will solicit feedback and provide information to a support association consisting of parents and other interested community-members.

Ron Hesman, principal, says a main strength of the model is that making difficult decisions is relatively straightforward.

Hesman, who’s worked under both governance models, has found when tough decisions come up, the process is less likely to get bogged down with the London approach.

“You’re not waiting for 170 to 200 people to vote and have their say. The board of directors is making those tough decisions in light of the general feedback they have and what they think is in the best interests of their school.”

On the flip side, the potential for the parental community to take less ownership of the school may be slightly greater with the London governance model, says Hesman.

The school constitution does require the board to keep its support association aware of all its activities and decisions, which it does through periodic meetings and an annual report.
Feedback is also solicited on various decisions.

“We certainly have to be purposeful in trying to include our community-members, in reporting to them and listening to their feedback,” says Hesman.

The board continues to explore ways to boost parental engagement, while at the same time debating the necessity of pushing involvement.

Parents are invited to attend board-run information meetings but “if you have a good board, they’re managing things well and information is available, it isn’t necessary to force parents to attend,” says Hesman.

The school’s unique governance approach may be traced to its founding days in the early 1970s when a group of Christian businessmen and community-members got together to create an interdenominational evangelical Christian school.

The school has enjoyed steady growth, particularly in the last few years. It has also been able to expand a number of its programs due to the purchase of a larger facility four years ago.

Hesman notes that London Christian Academy continues to trust the Lord as it seeks to offer quality Christian education to families in London and the surrounding area.

Something to think about: What are the strengths of your school’s governance model? What can you learn and possibly apply from London Christian Academy’s governance model?

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