Long-held understandings and regulations of federal and state programs can quickly change as societal expectations continue to change.
Because of this, many WCRIS member schools are finding it increasingly difficult to operate alongside a culture that frequently dismisses their traditional Judeo–Christian anthropological beliefs that ground their school.
To reinforce your school’s ability to operate according to your mission and values, it’s paramount that these values are explicitly infused in your official documents and applied consistently in all operations affecting students and staff. And to plan for the future.
Conducting a mission audit can help prepare your school for the future. See steps you can take below:
- Evaluate how well your documents and operations reflect your religious values and mission.
All of your documentation should identify your school’s core convictions. By performing an internal review, you can see whether these convictions are adequately expressed in your corporate documents; your employment related policies and practices; and the school’s handbook, which every parent should sign-off on when enrolling their child.
You should make it clear which denomination you are aligned with and answerable to. You should state that the school and its staff, foremost, is in charge of a child’s education at the school. Parents are partners, not pilots, in that endeavor.
- Identify the specific pressures that you may face in the future.
These pressures could come from changes to local, state and federal programs or new laws and regulations, as well as changes to your sponsoring church(es), if you have one. Envision a future with different support from these various sources. - Update your operations documents and plan strategically to protect the organization’s mission and convictions in light of the above.
Summer break is a good time to perform this mission audit. Consult your school’s legal counsel or qualified attorney and your jurisdiction’s oversight office (i.e. diocese, synod, association) as you proceed with a mission audit. This article should not be construed as legal advice.
Please reach out to WCRIS with any questions. We’re here to serve!
