Dear Cornerstone Family:
On behalf of the Cornerstone Board of Directors, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Dean Luckenbaugh as the next Executive Director of Cornerstone Schools of Washington, D.C., Inc.
Six months ago, our co-founder and current Executive Director, Derrick Max, informed the Cornerstone community that, after seven years of dedicated service, he would be stepping down at the end of this school year. The Board of Directors is eternally grateful for Derrick and Virginia Max and their inspiring and stabilizing leadership. The Board is also grateful for the Lord’s provision in our nationwide search for our next leader. We were blessed to have many godly and capable individuals apply for this position.
As a Board, we have come to the united view that Dean Luckenbaugh has the experience, leadership skills, and vision to lead Cornerstone as we continue to reach new heights of providing an excellent Christ-centered education in Southeast DC.
Mr. Luckenbaugh came to faith in Jesus Christ in his twenties and soon felt called toward serving youth in urban communities. For over a decade in the 1990s and early 2000s, Mr. Luckenbaugh served in various community development roles as an organizer and executive at the Greater Richmond YMCA. While living in Richmond, Mr. Luckenbaugh and his wife, Robin, were leaders in starting Veritas School, the first classical Christian school in that city. From 2003 to 2007, Dean served as the President of Veritas School. In 2007, Dean was called to lead Ad Fontes Academy, a classical Christian school in Northern Virginia, where he has faithfully served for fourteen years. Mr. Luckenbaugh has been married to Robin for more than 34 years. They have three children.
In sharing about his desire to lead Cornerstone Schools, Mr. Luckenbaugh recently shared these words:
“Cornerstone is a beacon of love and hope in Washington DC. It is a distinct honor and blessing to be called by God as a steward of this sacred mission and beautiful Christian community, striving to continue the legacy of Derrick and Virginia Max and the dedicated individuals who have founded and nurtured Cornerstone since 1998. With great humility and passion, I look forward to cultivating a One Body community where we all strive as students, alumni, parents, staff, and volunteers to use our God-given gifts to deepen our roots and extend our reach to serve all of DC as the best school in town.”
Dean will begin serving at Cornerstone in June, with some time working alongside Derrick and Virginia Max on a smooth transition.
Our current Executive Director, Derrick Max, shared these words about Dean and the future of Cornerstone:
“When I announced I was stepping aside from the leadership of Cornerstone, I noted that what Cornerstone needed to get to the next level was a true educator, with a proven track record of classical Christian school leadership. Dean Luckenbaugh is that experienced educator and leader. I am excited to see and support Dean as he uses his decades of experience leading two premier classical institutions to continue God's work in Southeast DC on behalf of Cornerstone's students and families.”
Please join us in welcoming Dean Luckenbaugh to Cornerstone. In the coming weeks, we will be sharing more information about plans to celebrate Derrick and Virginia and to make further introductions to Dean and his family.
Sincerely,
Rod Durham Rickey Bolden
Chair, Search Committee Chair, Development Committee
Vice President, Board of Directors Member, Board of Directors
*The Board of Directors of the Cornerstone Schools is an independent body that oversees the fiduciary obligations of the school and ensures that it is carrying out its mission and vision as constituted in its bylaws. Current members of the Board are (alphabetically listed): Brett Bloom, Rickey Bolden, Rod Durham (Vice President and Secretary), Ed Franceski, Michelle Hodge, Chrystal Jones, Sterling Mehring, Nancy Ruiz, Dan Smith (Treasurer), Anna Wishard, and Jeff Wood (President).
