Episode #61
Creating a Thriving Christian School: A Conversation with Dr. Jason Rachels
Christian schools are called to educate students, make a Kingdom impact, and operate as healthy organizations. But they can’t do any of those things if they can’t keep the doors open. Christian school leaders must focus on Christian Schools as a business, a ministry, and an educational institution. Neglect any one of those responsibilities, and the entire mission will suffer. In this episode of Clearly Christian, host Dr. Cy Smith, Superintendent of Mansfield Christian School , talks with Dr. Jason Rachels, President of Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida . Calvary has grown to more than 2,500 students and 375 faculty and staff across four campuses, while Rachels has also helped create Schools United, whose annual conference now brings together thousands of Christian educators. The focus here is that Christian school leaders must understand exactly what they are leading and develop the competence to deliver academic excellence, demonstrate genuine life transformation, and operate a sustainable organization. Takeaways — Christian schools are hybrid organizations: schools, ministries, and businesses , and all three must be healthy. — A commitment to excellence has to be visible in the people you hire, the programs you offer, the facilities you provide, and the experience families receive. — Christian education's mission goes beyond academics; teachers are also ministers with an opportunity to build relationships and intentionally disciple students. — Strong peer networks help Christian school leaders and staff learn from others doing the same work and bring proven ideas back to their own schools. — Smaller schools can “punch above their weight” by sharing leadership expertise and resources with a larger school system. — Financial margin isn't separate from the mission. Creative revenue strategies can strengthen the organization and provide resources to pursue greater excellence. — Great leaders surround themselves with excellent people, maintain high standards, and are willing to make difficult personnel decisions when necessary for the students and the mission. Chapters 00:14 Introduction 4:41Meet Jason Rachels 6:51 Leading a Hybrid organization 08:14 Lessons Learned Leading a School as a Business 10:51 CCA’s 26 Year Trajectory (to what do you attribute…youre a big deal) 14:16 Examples of Excellence 17:54 Transformational Impact 22:08 About the Schools United Conference 29:38 Running a 4 Campus District 38:45 Balancing the Budget 43:02 Advice to Navigate the Hybrid Organization 45:42 Chalkboard Points Helpful Links: Dr. Jason Rachels, President of Calvary Christian Academy: https://www.ccaeagles.org/ and https://schoolsunited.org/ Dr. Cy Smith, Mansfield Christian School: https://www.mcsflames.org/




