School Leadership Opportunity:
President
Fort Worth Christian School
North Richland Hills, Texas
A
Christ
‐
centered
community
where
every
child
is
loved
and
valued,
Fort
Worth
Christian
School
offers
a
college
preparatory
education
infused
with
a
biblical
worldview
to
nearly
800
students
in
grades
Pre
‐
Kindergarten–12.
Founded
in
1958
and
situated
on
a
40
‐
acre
campus
in
suburban
Fort
Worth,
FWC
provides
wide
‐
ranging
opportunities
in
academics,
athletics,
and
fine
arts,
all
geared
to
the
development
of
graduates
who
are
well
prepared
academically,
socially,
and
spiritually
for
lives
of
faith
and
service.
In
its
search
for
a
President
to
take
office
in
July
2016,
Fort
Worth
Christian
School
is
seeking
an
experienced,
inspiring,
and
unifying
leader
who
will
govern
with
biblical
integrity
while
guiding
the
school
to
new
heights
of
excellence
and
accountability
across
all
dimensions
of
school
life.
2
MISSION AND STATEMENT OF FAITH
Fort Worth Christian School is a Christ-centered community where every child is
loved and valued, taught excellence in and out of the classroom, and empowered
by a biblical worldview for a lifetime of faith and service.
Read the FWC Statement of Faith here:
www.fwc.org/about/mission.cfm
VITAL STATISTICS
FOUNDED: 1958
LOCATION: 40-acre campus in North Tarrant
County ENROLLMENT: 793 Elementary (PK-5:) 233 Middle (6-8): 232 Upper (9-12): 328 MINORITY STUDENTS: 18%
FACULTY: 112 full-time faculty with an average
tenure of 7 years; 31% with advanced degrees
OPERATING BUDGET: $10.2 million
TUITION: $9,165-$14,635
FINANCIAL AID: $208,500 to 12% of student body
ENDOWMENT: $612,000
DEBT: $6.3 million
FUNDS RAISED (2014-15): $590,800
ACCREDITATION: AdvancED, National Christian
Schools Association, Texas Christian Schools Association
MEMBER: Texas Association of Non-Public
Schools, Texas Independent School Consortium, Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools, Education Service Center Region XI
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SIGNATURE STRENGTHS & DEFINING ATTRIBUTES
FWC students enjoy the best of both worlds – a multitude of learning opportunities in an environment with a healthy, small‐
town feel. Asked to describe their school’s defining characteristics, families and faculty point to the loving spirit that suffuses
daily life at FWC, as well as the breadth of educational opportunities and the quality of teaching.
Closely affiliated with the Church of Christ throughout much of its 58‐year history, FWC today is a nondenominational
Christian school welcoming families with a range of spiritual practices who share the desire to provide their children with a
well‐rounded, faith‐filled educational experience.
THE STUDENT BODY
FWC students are a hardworking and able group, all of whom are
college‐bound. The Class of 2014 included a National Merit
Finalist, and the school typically has two to three Commended
Students each year. Mean SAT scores for the Class of 2015 were
532 Critical Reading, 542 Math, and 515 writing — all well above
state and national averages. The mean ACT Composite score was
23.7.
Over the past five years, graduates were admitted to a total of 178
colleges and universities and enrolled in more than 100
institutions. About one‐quarter of FWC graduates choose to enroll
in a Christian college. Last year, the 89 graduating seniors
matriculated at colleges in 14 states and four countries.
In addition to its home base of North Richland Hills, FWC draws students from many suburban communities, including Keller,
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THE FACULTY, ADMINISTRATION, AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES
With an average tenure of seven years at the school, FWC’s
dedicated faculty includes a healthy mix of veterans and
newcomers. Strengthening their connections to the school
family, many are also current or past parents. (The school
offers 50 percent tuition remission.) Students and parents
praise the faculty for their teaching skills, their commitment
to the school’s Christ‐centered mission, and, above all, the
genuine love they demonstrate for the children.
The eight‐member senior administrative team reporting to
the President includes the Chief Operating Officer (now
serving as Acting President), the Controller, the Director of
Development, the Director of Spiritual Life, all three campus
principals, and the Director of Athletics. The Directors of
Admission, Communication, Technology, and Maintenance report to the COO. All three principals are newly appointed (two
were promoted from within the school) this year, as is the Director of Spiritual Life.
The 14‐member Board of Trustees is a dedicated, caring, and business‐minded group that provides active stewardship on the
school’s behalf. Its members are committed to ensuring that FWC lives its mission and exemplifies a commitment to excellence.
LOCATION, CAMPUS, AND FACILITIES
Situated on a 40‐acre suburban campus that was once a dairy farm, FWC’s facilities
are valued at $14 million and include 10 buildings. The magnificent new Chapel
and Performing Arts Center (pictured on the front page), which opened in 2015,
features a 700‐seat auditorium with first‐rate AV and lighting equipment as well as
a band hall and practice rooms. Other recent improvements include a science and
technology center, and new administrative offices.
Athletic facilities include two gyms; a football
stadium with a newly refurbished turf field and
an eight‐lane track; and softball, baseball, and
soccer fields.
FWC’s home is North Richland Hills, a
suburban community of more than 67,300
residents located in North Tarrant County, just
minutes from Dallas and Fort Worth. In
recognition of its quality of life and economy,
North Richland Hills was named one of the
“100 Best Places to Live in the U.S.” by Money
magazine in 2006.
The Dallas‐Fort Worth Metroplex has experienced a remarkable boom over the past decade. Now the nation’s 16th‐largest city,
Fort Worth boasts a diversified economy and five downtown entertainment districts that collectively offer a wealth of historical,
cultural, dining, and shopping experiences. Located just 17 miles away is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, offering 1,900
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Dedicated to shaping lives that change the world, Fort Worth Christian School infuses Christian principles throughout its wide‐
ranging academic, fine arts, and athletic offerings. The school has published a Graduate Profile (available at
http://www.fwc.org/editoruploads/files/Profile%20FWC%20Grad.pdf) that clearly articulates its commitment to developing the
spiritual, academic, and social dimensions of each of its students. Counselors in elementary, middle, and high school assist
students in developing life skills, and two registered nurses are on campus to meet health‐related needs.
The school has distinguished itself
among its competitors with a strong
commitment to the integration of
technology. Each elementary
student is provided with an iPad,
and all Middle and High School
students and faculty receive
MacBooks. The three‐member
technology staff also maintains two
computer labs, and the Technology
Coordinator is an Apple‐Certified
Technician who trains selected
students to earn the same
designation. An exciting array of
technology classes begins in the
Elementary School with Lego Robotics and continues into the High School, where students may pursue computer science and
other technology electives.
Parents are a vital component of the FWC experience. Parents Web, an online communications tool, enables students, parents,
and faculty to communicate about assignments, grades, and schedules. Parent organizations include the Parent Teacher
Fellowship, Associated Women for Christian Education, Locker Room Prayer Moms, a Sports Booster Club, and All Pro Dads,
among others.
Highlights of the educational program include the following:
SPIRITUAL LIFE
Building spiritual community at FWC starts from the beginning of enrollment with new
families. ParentPartners is a Spiritual Life, relationship‐based initiative that pairs
incoming families with existing families to mentor and help with transition into the
FWC family.
Exemplifying the belief that all of one’s life should bring glory to God, FWC teachers
integrate Christian perspectives throughout the academic curriculum and in
extracurricular offerings. Students attend a daily chapel service under the direction of
the Director of Spiritual Life. Furthermore, Middle School and High School students
experience leadership opportunities with student‐led Worship Teams serving in chapel
services and student‐led Spiritual Life Groups meeting weekly during lunch.
Daily Bible classes begin in the Elementary School, which uses a nondenominational
curriculum from Positive Action for Christ. In Middle School, sixth‐graders complete a
survey of the Bible and then are split by gender in grades 7 and 8 to study Proverbs &
Wisdom and Christian Worldview. In addition to Apologetics and Biblical Text studies,
High School students receive instruction in both Servant Leadership and Christian
6
Translating belief into action, FWC students participate in service activities throughout their school careers. Outreach
culminates in the High School with local and international mission trips that have taken students to destinations including Peru,
Panama, and Thailand.
PRE-KINDERGARTEN AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (K-5)
Beginning with three‐ and five‐day programs for four‐year‐
olds and continuing through fifth grade, the Elementary
School offers a loving environment and a rich curriculum.
The program includes phonics‐based language arts,
Everyday Mathematics, hands‐on science instruction, and
enrichment classes in art, technology, music, physical
education, Spanish, and Library. Older students have the
opportunity to participate in academic meets, overnight
trips, and Student Council.
Operated on the FWC campus but as an independent entity,
the Klubhouse is a fully licensed before‐ and after‐school
care and enrichment program used by many school families. The ʺLittleʺ Klubhouse is a
Christian preschool for three‐year‐olds that serves as an important feeder to the
Elementary School.
MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRADES 6-8)
Providing a bridge from the highly structured elementary grades to the more independent environment of the High School,
FWC’s Middle School is carefully designed to meet the needs of students in this age group. The traditional academic schedule
includes seven instructional periods. The curriculum progresses to courses that allow students to earn high school credit in
Algebra and Integrated Physics/Chemistry. Elective offerings include Band, World Drumming, Strings, Chorus, Art, Speech and
Drama, and Home Economics. Eighth‐graders may take Spanish, Latin, or Technology for high school credit. Beyond the
classroom, Middle‐Schoolers travel to Searcy, AR; Big Bend National Park; Washington, D.C.; and New York City on class trips.
Academic competitions, leadership opportunities, and athletics round out the program.
HIGH SCHOOL (GRADES 9-12)
The FWC High School offers a college preparatory curriculum that includes 14 pre‐AP classes and 13 AP classes. Students may
receive up to 35 college semester hours of credit concurrent with high school credits in Bible, English, History, Math, and
Spanish. Thirty credits are required for graduation, including four years of Bible, English, Math, History, and Science; two years
of a single Foreign Language, one‐and‐a‐half years of Physical Education/Athletics, and one year of Technology and Fine Arts.
7
High School students have access to dozens of enrichment opportunities, including the yearbook, the student newspaper,
Student Council, and the National Honor Society, among others. Cheerleaders and the Cardinal Crew contribute to school spirit.
State and national academic and artistic competitions allow students to challenge themselves and meet students from other
schools. Cultural trips to other countries are offered each year during spring break.
ATHLETICS
Athletics is a vital aspect of the FWC program, with
more than 85 percent of students participating on at least
one interscholastic team. Competing in the Texas
Association of Private and Parochial Schools, FWC fields
teams in football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball,
softball, tennis, golf, track, cheerleading, swimming, and
cross country. Interscholastic opportunities begin in seventh grade.
The Cardinals earned a state championship in football this year and
volleyball and cross country in recent years. Several other teams made it to
the state playoff level. Forty coaches are employed in the athletics program,
including 18 teachers that also coach.
THE ARTS
FWC’s rapidly growing arts programs allow students to develop and showcase their individual gifts and talents. Impressive
examples of student artwork are displayed throughout campus buildings.
The new Chapel and Performing Arts Center provides students with the opportunity to perform in a state‐of‐the‐art setting. The
theater department produces three shows a year, including a musical and two one‐act competition shows. The school also has a
chapter of the International Thespian Society. Students in the Band, Marching Band Color Guard, Choir, and Orchestra perform
and compete in state and national competitions.
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT
The next President will join an institution with a strong foundational heritage, a healthy balance sheet, a deep sense of
community, and a history of graduating well‐rounded individuals. FWC has an alumni base that dates back more than 50 years,
a proven track record of academic and extracurricular excellence, and a legacy of providing a Christ centered education.
For an experienced educational leader with the skills necessary to build upon FWC’s solid foundation, the presidency offers the
opportunity to exercise transformational leadership to drive improvement and excellence. The next President will help to shape
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The Board has identified the following five‐year strategic themes:
Identity Formation: Capturing the heart of who we are…a place where every child is valued and loved.
Talent Development: Making FWC known as a phenomenal place to work with exceptional teachers and leaders who are provided
with impactful and relevant development opportunities.
Go for Growth: Growing our enrollment and expanding our Elementary School into a vibrant and thriving campus.
Operational Excellence: Ensuring that we focus on our core education competencies and do them with excellence, while also
implementing operational best practices that ensure we run our school in an effective, transparent, and stewardship‐minded way.
Community Engagement: We want to be a school where every student, every parent, and every member of our staff feels engaged
and valued.
The Board of Trustees is eager to work alongside the new President to move the school forward in accordance with these
strategic priorities. FWC is eager for a strong, confident leader who is both a team builder and a problem solver. The Board is
seeking a President who is accomplished in change management and willing to confront issues. The school family will welcome
a visible leader and an inspiring communicator. Members of all constituencies agree that the President of FWC must be a
faithful Christian and a servant leader.
Acting always with biblical integrity and with respect for FWC’s history, the new President will need to navigate the diverse
spiritual composition of the school’s family. Founded by members of the Church of Christ, FWC now includes a broader
spectrum of faith backgrounds. FWC values its rich heritage and welcomes families from all backgrounds of faith into a
spiritually thriving community.
In addition, the next President will be expected to bring business acumen, good ideas, and energy to the following areas of
focus:
ADMISSIONS AND MARKETING
FWC operates in a highly competitive educational marketplace that includes well‐regarded public and private schools. Faced
with increased tuition rates, some FWC families are expressing increasing concerns about affordability. FWC’s current
enrollment of 793 represents a decline from its highest‐ever enrollment of 875 students. At full capacity, the school could
accommodate 1,100 students.
As a result, marketing strategy will be a top priority for the new President. The Board of Trustees is already acting aggressively
to confront this challenge, commissioning demographic research and implementing a marketing plan designed to broaden the
school’s outreach. As part of that effort, the next President will be asked to offer both strategic insights and hands‐on leadership
in making the case for FWC within the school family and in the broader community. A particular focus will be the parents of
younger children. Exposed early to the quality and warmth of the FWC experience, families are much more likely to choose Fort
Worth Christian School for their children’s entire K‐12 education. FACILITIES
For both marketing and programmatic reasons, the new President also will want to devote considerable attention to planning
for new facilities. Building upon the nearly 30,000 square feet of new construction that has greatly enhanced the campus over
the past five years, FWC will need to move forward in the coming years to replace the aging Elementary and Middle School
buildings, relocate the library, and enhance the athletic facilities. FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT
While FWC’s $10.2 million operating budget is balanced, the recent enrollment declines have resulted in the need for more
stringent cost controls. The school’s $6.3 million debt, all related to the construction of the new Chapel and Performing Arts
Center, is financed by a 20‐year bond issue. Continued careful financial stewardship under the President’s direction will be
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The school’s long‐term financial sustainability will depend upon the establishment of a comprehensive institutional
advancement program. FWC raised more than $3 million in a capital campaign to support the new center, and the school has
established its first endowment fund. An Annual Fund campaign was conducted for the first time this year, raising $135,000.
Building upon these efforts, the new President will be asked to actively spearhead the creation of a highly professional and well
thought out development program. Already concerned about affordability, many parents have expressed frustration at the
dozens of individual small fundraising efforts in each division. Consolidating these disparate initiatives while broadening
outreach to alumni and other non‐parent prospects will be important elements of the President’s charge.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES
Fort Worth Christian School is seeking an inspiring, engaging, and faith‐filled Christian leader who is committed to excellence
and continuous improvement in pursuit of the school’s enduring mission. Ideally, the successful candidate will possess most of
the following:
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Demonstrated ability to hire, inspire, support, and strengthen a talented faculty, staff, and administration.
The ability and willingness to lead institutional advancement efforts within and beyond the school community,
including fundraising and marketing
Leadership experience in an educational setting.
Solid academic credentials, including an advanced degree.
Exceptional communication and public speaking skills.
Excellent management and administrative skills.
Financial acumen.
LEADERSHIP TRAITS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES
A hands‐on, visible leader who is eager to be actively engaged with all constituencies.
A unifying leader with exceptional interpersonal skills; a relationship builder who is skilled in change management
A confident, visionary, and strategically minded leader who is fully
committed to all aspects of the FWC mission.
A servant leader who acts with humility and places a biblical
worldview at the center of decision‐making.
A highly professional leader who sets high standards and holds
people accountable.
A wise and careful steward of the school’s resources – financial,
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ANTICIPATED SEARCH CALENDAR
Application
deadline:
March
11,
2016
Selection
of
semifinalists:
March
21,
2016
Semifinalist
interviews:
April
1
‐
3,
2016
Finalist
visits:
April
2016
Appointment:
May
2016
Starting
date:
July
2016
THE SEARCH PROCESS AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Acting on behalf of Fort Worth Christian School,Wickenden Associates is actively recruiting
talented educational leaders who possess the
skills, personal qualities, and experience necessary
to meet the requirements of this rewarding and
challenging position. The lead consultants, both of
whom may be reached at (609) 683‐1355, are
James Wickenden (jwickenden@wickenden.com)
and Susan Walters (swalters@wickenden.com).
Candidates should submit no later than Friday, March 11, 2016, an application package including the
following:
A cover letter indicating why you are particularly interested in and qualified for the position.
A current résumé.
A personal statement of faith.
The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references, including professional references and a
reference from your church. (We will obtain your permission before contacting any references.)
Optionally, other supporting material (e.g. an educational philosophy statement, a biblical worldview
statement, articles, or speeches) that would be useful to the Search Committee.
These materials should be transmitted via email attachment to searches@wickenden.com.
After an initial review of applicants, the Search Committee will interview semifinalist candidates over
the weekend of April 1‐3, 2016. Shortly thereafter, finalists will be invited to Fort Worth Christian School
for a more comprehensive series of interviews with representatives of the school’s constituencies.
Wickenden Associates will keep all applicants informed of their status throughout the process.
1000 Herrontown Road, Princeton, New Jersey 08540‐7716 Tel: 609‐683‐1355 Fax: 609‐683‐1351 Website: www.wickenden.com Email: searches@wickenden.com