The Boardroom Brief: Updates from RCS
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Welcome to the inaugural issue of the RCS Board Newsletter
One of the things we value as a school board is keeping our community connected to the work happening behind the scenes at RCS. While we share a full update on the board’s work at our annual Corporation Meeting, with this newsletter we will have an opportunity to keep our community informed throughout the year.
Our board has a strategic plan with both short- and long-term goals, and each committee is working throughout the year to help move those goals forward. Our Buildings & Grounds Committee is focused on responding to immediate building needs while also planning for long range capital projects. Our Education Committee is focused on education and curriculum, our Advancement & Development Committee is focused on sustainability and the long-term strength of RCS, and our Finance Committee is focused on stewardship and responsible financial planning. We look forward to sharing more about this work with our community throughout the year.
If at any time you need to reach the board you can contact boardsecretary@rochesterchristianschool.org.
In Christ,
Christy Porte
School Board President
We’re a covenantal school
If you spent any time researching schools before choosing RCS, you probably noticed each school can have a different sort of ‘flavor’. But you may not know the philosophical roots that make up these differences. One thing that sets RCS apart is its intentional founding as a covenantal school. This distinction informs a lot about how the school is run but can be the least explained attribute.
Schools differ along three axes: who they admit, who governs them and how they teach. We will cover how RCS teaches in a later issue, but first let us consider who a covenantal school teaches.
We understand God’s relationship with his people through the lens of His covenants. Through the covenants, God makes explicit his promises. Acts 2:39 tells us “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call” (emphasis added). So in the Reformed tradition, we see our students as partners in God’s covenant, growing up within God’s family, to be nurtured and discipled, rather than converted and evangelized.
Therefore, God gives children to parents in his covenant and the parents thus bear the duty to raise them in the faith. The school cannot take over that calling, but it can partner beside the parents to further their education. And because we view the children of believers as members in God’s covenant and we believe the school is partnering with the home and church in the child’s education, the education we provide can be deep and rigorous. We are not a missional school, we are not the first ones telling our students the gospel and so we can really dig into academic excellence and spiritual growth.
All of this means that RCS is your school. Unlike other schools that are governed by a particular church or denomination or even by the state, RCS is governed by parents. This grows from our conviction that the responsibility to educate children is a condition of the covenant God makes with believers. At RCS, parents elect the board and share responsibility for its direction. This ownership is both a privilege and a responsibility. At other private schools, you may pay tuition for a service, but at RCS, you can say “this is our school.”
We hope to make ownership of and participation in the community of RCS a joyful service. Through this newsletter, the board wants to share with you how RCS is governed with the intention of making involvement easier for all. And through it all, we hope to raise all we do up for the glory of God.
Understanding the RCS Corporation
Now that you know what a covenantal school is, you can understand how important the RCS Corporation is.
What is the Corporation?
RCS isn’t run by a church or the state. It belongs to the RCS Corporation, a community of Christian individuals who govern the school together. This reflects one of our founding convictions: that a Christian school should be rooted in the home and, alongside the church, extend what Christian parents teach their children. Corporation members elect the board, vote on budgets and major projects like building improvements, may speak at the annual State of the School meetings, and are eligible to serve on the board themselves. In short, members have a real voice in shaping the education our children receive.
The State of the School Annual Meeting
Our annual Corporation meeting is held in May. At the meeting, new members of the Corporation are voted in. Also, candidates for the new class of Board are voted on to serve a standard three year term or any shorter terms that are currently open. The Principal and the Board give a report on the state of the school and its Strategic Plan. Corporation members are given an opportunity to raise issues and ask questions of the Board members. Finally, and most importantly, the budget for the next school year is reviewed and Corporation members vote on its approval.
We’d love for you to join us
Any adult who shares our commitment to Christ-centered education can apply. We encourage ALL parents to become members. Members agree to the Corporation’s constitution and by-laws and affirm its statement of faith. The main commitment is attending corporation meetings, but even more, we need members who care about the school and want to help it thrive. To apply, simply complete the new member application that is linked under the ‘RCS Corporation’ subheading on the ‘About Us’ tab of our website. Applicants must be physically present at the State of the School meeting on May 18, 2027 to be recommended by the board and voted into membership. Joining is one of the best ways to invest in our school and the children it serves.
Got a question for the board?
We would love to answer any questions that you may have for the board in our upcoming issues of this newsletter. Submit a question, anonymously if you prefer, and we’ll answer a selection in the next issue.
Additionally, the board would like to extend a warm welcome to all families who are new to RCS this school year. We hope that you have been made to feel at home in our community and that any concerns you may have are being addressed.
To further this goal, if you are a new family, please be expecting a member of the board to reach out to you personally in the coming weeks and be prepared with any questions or comments that may have arisen as the school year starts. Again, we are so grateful to God that he has lead your family to RCS!
Class of 2029
This issue features our newest trustees — watch for Class of ’27 and ’28 in upcoming issues.
Katie Singleton
Secretary · Advancement & Development Committee
Martin (preK) & Tommy (1st grade)
What would your Jeopardy introduction story be?
I am a human timer (my husband does not think this is impressive). If I set a timer, I usually get an urge to go check on it within a very short time of it going off. My recent record was checking on a 90-minute timer at 18 seconds before going off.
One song to play every time you walked into a room?
I spent way too much time thinking about this (I have made nearly 500 playlists on Spotify). Do I pick one that sets the vibe I would want entering a room—“Sixes and Sevens” by Lucero? One that expresses my philosophy and personality—“Somewhere in The Between” by Streetlight Manifesto? Or one by an artist to signal my sophistication? Then it’s gotta be—“Everything You Know Is Wrong” by “Weird Al” Yankovic.
Favorite piece of playground equipment?
The swings. I can still complete most of my school days swing tricks.
Two nonessential items if shipwrecked on a deserted island?
My old iPod and a Kindle, if a solar charger counts as one of my essential items.
Which person in the Bible are you most like?
Martha. I too am drawn to the practical and logistical aspects of living and preaching the gospel. And I also struggle to contain my judgement of those who are more ecstatically minded.
Why did your family choose RCS?
My grandparents and parents were dedicated to providing a reformed, Christian education to their children. Once I left home and as a fish learned about the water, I grew to share their values for an education that is intellectually serious while being biblically sound. I also value a school that is intrinsically inseparable from the community of believers and deeply desires to nurture all of the community’s children. My husband and I are truly grateful that God has brought us to a city where such an education is possible and we believe we have a duty to support the calling of Christian education here.
What is your primary goal for your tenure on the RCS board?
I want to take on the mantle of responsibility from the many people that have nurtured this place for over its hundred year history and do my part to ensure that RCS is around for many years into the future. I also want the school to stay true to its mission of educating children to become the image bearers of God without straying to other paths that might be easier or more popular.
Gary Giangreco
Safety Committee
Luciano (2nd grade)
Jeopardy fact?
I am from a family of dentists and became one myself. This is generally a good ice breaker for me since everyone has a dental experience they would like to share — though those stories aren’t always positive ones and often include a visual aid.
Entrance song?
A song from the world’s greatest band, The Who! I would probably go with “Love, Reign o’er Me,” as I’ve been so blessed in my life with the great love of God and family.
Favorite piece of playground equipment?
Absolutely the park bench, since my knee surgery!
Deserted island nonessentials?
A source of music to listen to, and probably a guitar to practice to that music.
Which person in the Bible are you most like?
St. Peter, in the sense that I know I’ve not always been who God wants me to be but have seen his grace and love, and it has made me that much stronger in his faith.
Why did your family choose RCS?
We chose RCS mostly because we wanted our son Luciano to be surrounded by Jesus and like-minded people. Of course, his academic education was extremely important, and we knew he would get both aspects at RCS.
Goal for your tenure on the RCS board?
I’m hoping that during my tenure I understand more of the behind-the-scenes of RCS as well as keeping close to my son. But I have come to realize that my input and experiences are impactful to our board and therefore to RCS. I look forward to the continuation of our fantastic community, and if possible any small ways to improve it. I am truly honored and grateful for this opportunity to serve our Lord in this important capacity.
Josh Burdett
Advancement & Development Committee
Judah (Kindergarten)
Jeopardy fact?
I’m married to my best friend and high school sweetheart. For as long as I care to remember, it’s been Josh & Em.
Entrance song?
“Heaven on this Earth” by Forrest Frank. This song pumps me up to do God’s work and be Spirit led.
Favorite piece of playground equipment?
Monkey bars.
Deserted island nonessentials?
My 7 iron and my slippers.
Which person in the Bible are you most like?
Timothy — I’m a product of genuine Christian mentorship and a leader from a young age. I must constantly draw courage and strength from the Lord to live out my calling as a husband, father, manager, and community servant (2 Tim 1:7).
Why did your family choose RCS?
Em and I desired an authentic extension of our home, and that’s exactly what RCS is. We knew a few invested families who we love and respect. We followed them when our son headed to kindergarten.
Goal for your tenure on the RCS board?
Pray and believe that God will do immeasurably more than we ask and think at RCS. On the A&D committee, this looks like preparing and guiding the school community toward growth in depth and influence.
Establishment of Capital Improvement Fund
What was decided
Last year, in addition to our annual campaign, we launched a separate designated giving opportunity to help us continue to be good stewards of the building we have been entrusted with. This is our Capital Improvement Fund, which we hope to continue growing and using for larger projects in the years to come.
Why
This fund is intended to be used for significant physical improvements, repairs and renovations to our infrastructure and facilities. The roof replacement highlighted the need to have a dedicated pool of resources for large, one-time expenses — unlike our general budget, which covers day-to-day expenses, this fund will be reserved for long-term investments into the physical structure of RCS that will enhance the value and functionality of our school and grounds.
Decision in Action
RCS is also blessed to have a separate endowment fund overseen by the Rochester Christian School Foundation. The Foundation also launched a designated giving opportunity through its own Capital Improvement Fund, which can be used in partnership with RCS to support larger projects. We are thrilled to share that we were able to utilize both this partnership and a portion of our newly established fund to replace our garage roof in October! This garage is an important part of our school building, providing storage for many of the materials and supplies we need to keep our school running. We are grateful for the generosity of our community and the partnership that made this project possible.
Before
During
After
Want to help fund projects like this one? You can give to the Capital Improvement Fund from the giving options on our Annual Giving page.
Donate to the Fund →Where things stand
Rochester Christian School participates in the Christian Schools International (CSI) accreditation process to evaluate our educational program and how well we are fulfilling our mission as a Christian school. The reaccreditation process occurs on a five-year cycle. This semester, to fulfill the accreditation requirements, we will stand up the School Improvement Team — a team of staff and stakeholders who will review our curriculum, teaching, leadership, student learning, and school community to reflect on what is going well and where we can continue to grow. A team of educators from outside RCS then visits RCS to review our work and offer recommendations. The CSI Accreditation Commission makes the final accreditation decision based on the team’s report and recommendation. Following the visit, we develop a plan that builds on our strengths and helps guide our continued growth. We report on our progress each year as we continue to provide a quality, Christ-centered education while staying true to the mission God has given us.
This year’s board priorities
The RCS board plans not just for this year, but for the years to come. Here’s a glimpse of what the board is working on as we look ahead together.
Our strategic plan focuses on five areas, each led by a board committee, all with one goal in mind: making sure RCS remains a strong, faithful, and thriving place for Christian education for years to come. These are the current strategic plan’s top priorities:
Strong leadership
Because RCS is parent-run, our board changes often as families come and go. To provide continuity, we want to establish a group of advisors to provide experience and wisdom. We are currently discussing who is best qualified to hold these positions, what their role will be and how to integrate them into board processes. We’re also building a relationship with legal counsel to help guide our policies.
Better learning spaces
Our Buildings & Grounds committee is keeping our facilities safe and well-maintained, and has begun refreshing our classrooms one at a time each summer, with new heaters, cabinets, flooring, and more. Looking further ahead, bigger projects are on the list, from a new playground for our youngest students to an outdoor classroom and gym improvements.
Excellent teaching
Our Education Committee is connecting teacher training directly to student growth, strengthening how we recruit and support great Christian teachers (including a new mentoring program), and exploring ways to expand support for students with a range of learning needs.
A growing community
Our Advancement & Development team is working to welcome new families, care for current ones, and build stronger ties with our alumni and local churches.
Wise stewardship
Finally, our Finance committee is building a dedicated fund for facility improvements and strengthening the school’s financial reserves, so RCS stands on firm footing for the next generation.
We Are Hiring
If you know anyone looking for a new teaching position or to get back into education after a few years away, please send them our way! We have an opening for a part-time or full-time position teaching middle school math and science.
How can you help?
Pray for our school, join us at events, share RCS with friends, and consider supporting our classroom and capital projects. Alumni, we’d love to reconnect! This school was built by families who believed in Christian education, and its future depends on families like yours.
What our committees are working on
Get to know two of the board’s committees in this issue of the newsletter — stay tuned for updates from Buildings & Grounds, Safety, and Finance in coming issues.
Meet the Education Committee
Stewards of RCS’s intellectual heritage
Chaired by the principal of the school, Kate Schumacher, this committee oversees all recruitment and hiring of teachers and teacher’s aides. They are tasked with developing and implementing the school’s long-range educational plan. Overall, they are responsible for making sure all curriculum, policies and educational activities display excellent quality and firm Christian character. Right now, the committee is centered on improving academic programming, addressing staffing needs, strengthening communication with our families, and establishing consistent professional expectations.
Welcoming Our New Faculty & Staff
We were thrilled to bring in some top talent this summer to fill several key positions on our staff. Also, we welcomed veteran faces to new roles. We hope some of you have had the chance to meet them — please join us in giving them all a warm RCS welcome!
Current Priorities
Our curriculum is reviewed systematically on a five-year rotation to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our students and align with our mission. This year, we will be reviewing our Bible and Spanish curriculum. We will also play an important role in the upcoming CSI accreditation renewal process, which gives us an opportunity to reflect on our mission, recognize our strengths, and identify opportunities for continued growth. We remain committed to supporting our teachers and staff by providing the resources, encouragement, and support they need to serve our students well.
Meet the Advancement & Development Committee
RCS’s cheerleaders and welcome wagon
Led by two board members, Josh Burdett and Katie Singleton, this team’s mission is making sure Rochester (and especially our local Christian community) knows what a gem we have at RCS, and ensuring that our current families feel connected, supported, and at home at RCS. They’re the folks behind the open houses, welcome picnic, and the friendly follow-up call when a curious family reaches out. They help plan fundraising, spread the word about student achievements to local media, keep our website fresh, and make sure parents stay in the loop. In short, if you’ve ever heard about RCS from a neighbor, found us online, or felt warmly welcomed on your first visit, you’ve seen this committee’s work in action.
Help spread the word
Have you seen our new social media presence? You can help get the word out by liking and sharing our posts on Facebook and Instagram. We have partnered with High Street Marketing to ramp up our online presence and hope that it will help us reach the families that God is calling to RCS.
A big job
Events on the Horizon
With the 2026 RCS Challenge in full swing, the A&D committee would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you do for our school. From donations to volunteer hours, this is the blood and sweat that makes a Christian education possible for so many families that otherwise could not afford it. We hope to see you again after the winter as we gather as a community to celebrate the RCS family at the Spring Gala — if you are in a position to, please prayerfully consider a sponsorship or even underwriting a teacher’s ticket. Until then, here are some other events the A&D Committee has planned, stay tuned for more details:
This year, RCS welcomes 16 new families and 29 new students, including those coming to the United States from 2 countries.
Also, we are excited for the service of 6 new faculty and staff and 4 new board members (as well as 1 returning board member!)
And finally, please cheer on our kindergarten class of 15 beginning learners, all but 1 of whom have taken advantage of RCS’s pre-kindergarten and multi-age kindergarten programs.