Almost a quarter-century ago, God gave a small group of us who had been tutoring, mentoring, and working in different parts of Washington, DC the vision to open a Christ-centered, academically rigorous school for low-income children. After a few years of prayer, Cornerstone was opened in 1998 with just twenty-three students. For twenty-one years we have worked to live up to fulfilling God's vision. Six years ago, I felt called to take on the role of Executive Director/Principal at Cornerstone when the school was facing especially challenging circumstances. My goals were simple: ensure that parents had confidence that Cornerstone was serving their children well; grow our enrollment; fill Cornerstone with mission-minded, God-fearing teachers who bought into our methods; and invite potential donors to see firsthand what God was doing in our classrooms and hallways in hopes that they would feel led to fill our coffers.
In my time, Cornerstone has gone from a serious financial deficit seven years ago to a respectable surplus today. Prior to COVID-19, we had filled almost all of our classes. The current enrollment exceeds 160 students. Finally, I believe we have assembled one of the best faculties we have ever had, working under very difficult, pandemic related circumstances.
While Cornerstone is now a very good school, our students deserve a great school. The truth is, my skill set is not what is needed to bring Cornerstone to the next level. And because I love Cornerstone, I do not want my ego to get in the way of doing what is best for our students, families, and this community.
I have always told the Board of Directors that, while I was the right leader to get us through the crisis, I was not the best person to lead Cornerstone long term. I believe Cornerstone will need a leader who lives and breathes academics, who has training in the best educational practices and school administration, and who could put in place an even stronger culture of excellence. Two weeks ago, I told the board that now is the time to find that new person.
No question, this is one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. While I have been blessed with a lot of rewarding jobs in my life, none has been as rewarding as leading Cornerstone. Every day I have awoken to the reality that I get to spend my day with such precious children of God. I get to know and serve parents who have joined the Cornerstone family and I get to work alongside a group of teachers who inspire me with their work ethic, their love of God, and their love for the students. Nothing can match the last six years I have spent at Cornerstone! The stories and memories will be with me forever and have enriched and changed my life.
The Board of Directors is undertaking a year-long, nationwide search for the best candidate to lead Cornerstone into the future. I will continue to lead the school as Executive Director/Principal for the remainder of this school year, by which time a new head of school will be in place. Looking ahead, I have every intention of remaining involved in Cornerstone in some capacity for the balance of my life. Over the next 10 months, I hope to continue building Cornerstone's financial resources, finishing our accreditation process, pouring into our students, and retaining and recruiting high-quality staff for next year. I also hope to find more ways to serve this community as God moves me to the next chapter of my life. My wife Virginia, who came on board with me six years ago, and I are committed to Cornerstone's success both now and in the future. At the end of this school year, we will serve the Board and Cornerstone in whatever capacity is required throughout the transition to ensure Cornerstone’s success going forward.
I want everyone to know that I am taking this step because it is truly what is best for Cornerstone. I am doing this out of my love for the students, my love of the mission, and out of a profound understanding of my own limitations. While I am sad at the thought of not seeing all of our students' beautiful faces every day, I am excited to see what Cornerstone's next chapter will bring. Please join me in praying for the Board as they search for Cornerstone's next leader, pray for me as I seek God's will for the next chapter of my life, and pray for our community as we seek God fervently.
Sincerely,
