There is a principle common to any organization that relies on volunteers that 80% of the work gets done by 20% of the people. I have always been disturbed by that statement and concerned that it not be true of AKCS. My heart's desire for our school is that it would be based on commitment. To that end, we have put in to place some key policies such as our Parents' Code and Statement of Faith to ensure that we all have certain values in common. Even so, it has been a concern among all the Koinonia Schools that the commitment of the "early pioneers" of our Christian schools was being lost as new people joined who did not know our history or share the same initial vision and commitment.

As much as I hated to admit it, I had begun to see some of that same declining commitment at AKCS. There were several areas which were of concern: financial aid, volunteering, fundraising, and church commitment. Over the past two to three years, however, the Board has taken specific steps to address each of these, and while it has cost us something (people don't like change!), I believe that we are beginning to see the fruit in the life of our school. Rather than observing a gradual decline in commitment, we are witnessing a renewal, and it is very exciting. These changes are, I believe, some of the most significant in the history of our school.

I will briefly comment on each of the areas. First, a few years ago financial aid was soaring out of control and threatening to undermine our school. Most disturbing was the fact that some families receiving aid were doing little or nothing in the way of volunteering or fundraising. Under the guidance of the last two treasurers, new policies and procedures were put in place to ensure that only the genuinely needy received aid, and that those who did were at least as faithful in volunteering and fundraising as those paying full tuition. The Board is pleased to continue the policy of not turning away any needy child, but is now also confident that each family receiving aid is contributing their fair share to the life of the school.

Second, volunteer help in the school was on the decline a few years ago. Under the direction of our Development Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator, new procedures were put in place to inform people of the opportunities available. New systems were developed to help get the right people into the right roles so that their talents were being well used and so people would find enjoyment in their service. Our goal is to have 100% of our families volunteering for one or two projects over the course of the year, and I think this year, we will do that.

Third, fundraising, which was supposed to be shared by all, was becoming more and more dependent on the "committed few." The change in policy which now requires everyone to contribute their fair share ($250/family) has resulted in a remarkable increase in participation and income. By putting a dollar figure into the Parents' Code, every family became aware of what was needed. By making it flexible, every family could choose where they wish to expend their energies without feeling guilty. By making it a requirement, every family contributes a fair and reasonable amount to the total. (It has been encouraging to note that many families are not limiting themselves to just what is required. The last two meat & cheese sales, for example, have set new records. This year's Entertainment Book sale also set a record.) It is very exciting to see this new level of commitment and the recognition that we are a family working together.

Lastly, the Board wanted to ensure that we remained true to our original ideals of serving families who were serving the Lord. The annual family pastor's reports and pastor's reports for high school students have stimulated discussion among families about their commitment to their local churches. Some families who have been "in between" churches have been encouraged to get re-established in a new church home. As a result, we believe that our churches will become stronger, our families will become stronger, our school will become stronger, and our students will grow. And that is really what it is all about.

Brian Hazeltine, B.Ed., M.A.
Principal, Airdrie Koinonia Christian School

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