Board of Directors

Overview of Governance of Jackson Christian School

Jackson Christian School Board Governance Model
Royal Ministries is a 501c3 non-profit organization, which exists to provide Christian education through Jackson Christian School. As such, the Royal Ministries/School Board of Directors operates using a non-profit form of governance rather than the form of governance used by public schools, which are political bodies subject to open meeting requirements. The Board follows principles of policy governance, whereby the Board sets broad policies within which the school is to operate, but does not interject itself into the operations of the school. No individual board member has any authority over school personnel or operations, nor does any individual board member have authority to speak for the school. The Board believes in the one-voice authority of the chief administrator, who is accountable to the entire Board, not to any individual board member.

Board Meetings
Royal Ministries, Inc., as a private nonprofit organization, does not hold open meetings. The school board concerns itself with school policy and strategic planning rather than with daily operations. Therefore, curriculum, personnel and student policies are primarily determined by the superintendent with assistance from the administrative team and other staff members, subject to parameters set forth in board policies.

Board Member Selection and Qualifications
The Royal Ministries/School Board is a “self-perpetuating board.” All potential board members must be nominated from within the Board, although names may be suggested for consideration by anyone. Members of the Board of Directors must be born-again believers and subscribe without reservation to the school’s Statement of Faith and Philosophy of Education. Members of the School Board must be Christian role models in the school and community and members in good standing of a local evangelical church whose doctrine is consistent with the School’s Statement of Faith.

Meet Our Board of Directors
	Rick Blumenstock Electrical Engineer, Consumers Energy Alumni Parent: Two Alumni Children - Class of '15, '20 Why do I serve on the JCS Board? I choose to serve on the school board for two reasons. First I have a vested interest in the school since I plan to send my children all the way through the school system. Serving on the board is a practical way to do all I can to ensure JCS provides the highest possible standard of spiritual and academic training for my children. Second, the school plays a key role in fulfilling God’s Commission of bringing Him glory and furthering His Kingdom. I am excited about how the school fulfills this commission and I want to be part of it.
	Vic Face Self Employed Building Contractor Current Grandparent & Alumni Parent: Grandchildren in the School Why do I serve on the JCS Board? God convicted mine and my wife’s hearts as a young married couple to make sure that our children would receive an education with a Christian world view that would align itself with the same values found in God’s Word, our home, and our church. We found that very thing at Jackson Christian School. This is a place where a loving and caring staff seek to educate children, centered around the Word of God while challenging them in their faith. I have been a faithful supporter of JCS for many years, but God recently laid it on my heart to be more involved. A short while later, I was approached and asked to take a position on the school board. I knew that this was where God needed me to serve at this time. I consider it a great blessing and responsibility to serve on this board as the future of God’s next church leaders will be molded here at Jackson Christian School.
	Andrew Hershberger Technical Sales Representative in the Advanced Materials Division, 3M Alumni Parent: One Child - Class of '16, Current Parent: One JCS Student Why do I serve on the JCS Board? My wife, April and I have two daughter enrolled at JCS. I was fortunate to have parents who believed that Christian education was important and I attended several Christian schools K-12 as we moved around the Midwest. Unfortunately, the school that I graduated High School from is no longer open. However, I feel “adopted” by the JCS family since we have chosen to have our two girls enrolled here. My parents also instilled in me a sense of serving Jesus with my abilities. I see serving on the board as an opportunity to use the gifts and skills that God has given me to further his Kingdom here on earth.
	John Kane Professor, WMU Cooley Law School Lawyer at an Estate Planning & Property Practice Alumni Parent: Three Alumni Children - Class of '05, '07, '11 Why do I serve on the JCS Board? My wife, Sandia and I had three children go through JCS and Sandia taught Art at the High School for 9 years. I serve on the JCS Board because I want to further the Gospel in general and Christian education in particular in Jackson County, and I believe God has equipped me to do so as a JCS Board member. JCS is an incredibly important ministry. I believe that all of us who care about growing and spreading faith through education and service should do all we can to sustain and advance it.
	Mindy Rice Registered Nurse Chair of Baccalaureate Nursing (Pre-licensure) program, Spring Arbor University Alumni of JCS, Alumni Parent of Two JCS Students, Current Parent of One JCS Student Why do I serve on the JCS Board? It wasn't until I became a parent that I truly realized the value of the commitment my own parents made when choosing Christian schooling for my sister and me. I now serve on the school board because I want to be a part of Christ centered education for the next generation and give back to the school that I love in any way I can. I feel it a privilege to serve God in this way!
	Dawn Schnitkey Vice President of Finance and Administration, Spring Arbor University Current Parent: Two JCS Students Why do I serve on the JCS Board? Why do I serve on the JCS Board? Our family loves JCS. Being part of the community is a blessing. I serve on the board because I believe a Christian education as well as academic excellence is important for our children. I hope to use my knowledge and skills to help further the mission of our school. I look forward to serving JCS and to further the work of the Kingdom through this ministry.
	David Shirkey Director of Strategy at Orbitform Current Parent: Three JCS Students Why do I serve on the JCS Board? I serve on the JCS board because I believe in the school and the school’s mission of offering top notch Christian education. I can’t tell you how grateful I am when I hear my daughters singing Christian praise and worship songs that they learn at school. Kelley and I are so grateful to have our daughters be able to attend JCS.
	Kelly Velker Adjunct Clinical Nursing Instructor, Spring Arbor University Current Parent: Three JCS Students Why do I serve on the JCS Board? I chose to serve on the JCS school board because I want to help lead our school in the decisions that will impact my children's educational and spiritual growth in the years to come. I know that God equips those He calls to leadership and I am excited to see how he will use me, our board, our school and our community to impact the world for Christ.
	Jim Weidman Information coming soon.