Schools structures under review

Consistent with the direction of General Synod, a church-wide review of the governance structures of Lutheran education is underway.

It is being led by consultant Dr Maureen Cleary, who undertook the extensive LCA Governance & Administration Review following a resolution by General Synod in 2013 to this effect. A number of resolutions arising from some of her 28 recommendations were adopted by General Synod in 2015.

One of the report’s recommendations was that General Church Council ‘enters into serious dialogue’ with the LEA Board about governance. It was made clear that the intent of any changes resulting from this dialogue is to strengthen and build on the rich tradition of Lutheran education in Australia.

The review will consider issues including achieving nationally consistent standards, and the maximisation of mission and ministry opportunities and equitable educational opportunities.

The dialogue includes Lutheran Education directors, school principals, chairs of school boards and councils, chairs of congregations with a school, school pastors and chaplains, and district representatives. The dialogue will continue into 2017.

It is anticipated that Dr Cleary’s report with recommendations will be submitted to General Church Council by February 2018.