ACS School Board Report
ACS Board Committees
Ada Christian relies on standing committees to monitor and facilitate the details of its operation. Each committee is chaired by a trustee and its members may consist of other trustees, faculty, staff, society member or non-members who have special experience or expertise beneficial to Ada Christian School (such as pastors, college professors, or technology experts).
Standing committees of the Board include:
- Executive Committee
- Education Committee
- Finance Committee
- Operations Committee
- Promotions Committee
The Executive Committee
Committee Members
Joe Keilen (Chair), Tonya Vliem (Sec), Mark Plaisier (Vice Chair), Amy Clark (Treasurer), Nate Kiser, Kevin Sall, Mark Stuit
2023-2024 Committee Goals
- Review of ACS Policy/Bylaws (Sections 100, 200)
- Continue to provide board training opportunities for its members.
- Oversee execution of the Advancement Campaign.
The Education Committee
The Education Committee works to integrate academic excellence with Christian values, enabling students to graduate as academically equipped servants of Jesus Christ. Current conditions of curriculum enhancement and assessment, student assessment, and technology are reviewed. Class time, class size, and student activities are evaluated. Teacher assessments, teacher development, and staff hiring are addressed.
Committee Members
Sarah Kraay (Chair), Jenny Bonnema, Nate Kiser, Erin Kilby, Kristin O'Callaghan, Shannon Quist, Amanda Wilhelm, Kevin Sall
2023-2024 Committee Goals
- Ensure that all instruction is taught from the Reformed perspective.
- Track implementation of faith formation digital portfolio.
- Evaluate current technology accessibility versus needs.
- Evaluate how ACS is meeting the academic, social, emotional needs of students in grades 5-8.
The Finance Committee
The Finance Committee facilitates communication between administration and the school’s accounting staff. Financial statements are reviewed and presented to the Board at the monthly meeting. Cash management strategies are reviewed and the financial performance of the school is assessed. A budget for the following school year is formulated in November. The final draft of the budget is approved by the board at its February meeting and brought before the Society for its vote at the annual meeting in March.
Committee Members
Amy Clark (Chair), Scott Fraungruber, Rob Knecht, Jim Primus, Kevin Sall, Mark Stuit, Luther Trook, Victoria Youngblood
2023-2024 Committee Goals
- Establish goals for Financial Aid distribution moving forward and establish the process of awarding grants.
- Work in conjunction with the Operations Committees to project future capital needs of the school.
- Continue to evaluate outstanding pension obligation and buyout.
The Promotions Committee
The Promotions Committee increases the school’s visibility in the community by participating in various local events and hosting various groups on campus. Establishing a sense of community for the existing families is another goal of the Promotions Committee.
Committee Members
Kelly Aardema (chair), Dani Buchanan, Tiffany Erickson, Kelly Honholt, Jill Jarboe, Holly Karasinski, Erin Kilby, Kelly Knecht, Jennifer Kreuzer, Kevin Sall, Mark Stuit, Teresa Konyndyk, Laurie Welch
2023-2024 Committee Goals
- Recruitment and retention of current preschool to kindergarten families.
- Continue to evaluate external and internal community building opportunities for ACS.
The Operations Committee
The Operations Committee oversees the maintenance, safety, and future space needs of the school facility and surrounding grounds. Operating and maintenance costs for the expansion have been budgeted. Inventories of equipment and furniture are conducted. Should school demographics call for it, the Operations Committee will be responsible for studying possible future expansion.
Committee members
Rob Knecht (chair), Kurt Rewa, Melissa Hoekzema, Joe Keilen, Rob Knecht, Nate Kiser, Alan Musch, Mark Plaisier, Luther Trook
2023-2024 Committee Goals
- Maintain day-to-day operations and facility upkeep.
- Manage annual capital projects.