Purpose

The purpose of the plan is to provide a comprehensive plan for the continued expansion and further refinement of Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran School and provide guidance to that expansion. 

·     It is long-range because it anticipates and fulfills needs for at least five school years.

·     It is strategic because it seeks to accomplish broad objectives by bringing together many decisions and activities into an organized, intentional plan.

·     It is a plan because each item requires further discussion and authorization from the appropriate person, Board, etc.

Background

The plan originated from the School Board’s recognition that the original School Strategic Plan approved by the congregation in 1998 covered the first three years of the Elementary Department expansion.  That plan authorized expansion of the school through the fifth grade.  At that time it was expected that school expansion would quit with the addition of fifth grade for the following reasons:

·      It would mirror the Scottsdale School District grade format outlining grades 6-8 as middle school.

·     There is a potential tie with Valley Lutheran High School, should it relocate to the North-Northeast Valley.  They have stated their desire to incorporate a Middle School on their new campus.

·      It was noted that Shepherd of the Desert may reconsider expanding to include the middle grades, based on the outcome of the Valley Lutheran High expansion/relocation project.

      *  From School Expansion Project Business Plan of November 1, 1998.

Next school year marks the extent of that plan.  The School Board saw the need for a new plan to cover the next five to seven years.

Procedure

    1.  Information was gathered.

·     Statistical information about the school was gathered.

·     Ten confidential interviews were held involving thirteen people including lay leaders of the church, called workers and parents with children enrolled in the school.

·     A meeting of the school staff was held.

·     Two surveys of parents with children enrolled in the school were conducted resulting in 95 completed surveys.

·     Nine area private and religious elementary schools and five preschools were surveyed.

2.  Principal Paul Brandt developed a preliminary plan.

3.  The School Board adopted a proposed plan.

4.  The Parish Council commented on the total plan and adopted a resolution for consideration by the Voters.

5.  Annually Principal Brandt and the School Board will update the plan.

Findings

·       Surveys of parents with children enrolled in the school indicate strong appreciation for the current program.

·       A significant number of parents with children currently enrolled in the school indicate interest in our school extending the grades through at least the eighth.

·        Some parents do not enroll children in our school because it is capped at grade five.  They want opportunity for their children to remain in the same school though at least grade eight.

·        Elementary schools in Scottsdale now vary.  Some extend through grade five, some grade six and one through grade eight.

·        Valley Lutheran High is not considering the addition of the middle school or junior high grades to the school.

·        With Valley Lutheran High School and Concordia University at Irvine, providing grades six, seven and eight at Shepherd of the Desert would “complete” our congregation’s system of Christian education from children age two through university.

The Plan

·        Add grades through the eighth by adding one grade per year as needed.

·        Maintain a competitive salary structure.

·        Provide extra-curricular activities for the upper grades.

·        Continue the curricular program (e.g. two foreign languages, art, music, physical education, technology) for all grade levels.

·        Continue the current funding plan by which the school is responsible for operating expenses and the congregation is responsible for the facility and its maintenance.

·        Conduct further research regarding meeting needs through before/after school care, after school enrichment activities, and an extended-week program for kindergartners on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

·        Anticipate the opportunity to expand the school ministry to include more children and families by offering more than one class per grade.  If the Lord does bless us with this opportunity, the Board will make recommendations at a later date.

Resolution Adopted by the Voters Assembly 

Of Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church

     Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church directs the school to add grades through the

     eighth by adding one grade per school year as needed.

The complete School Long-Range Strategic Plan is available at the School Office.

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