To summarize the discussions over the last two months between PCUS and the leadership from Joy Christian School and the Community Church of Joy we could fill volumes. However (to quote Lord Polonius from Shakespeare’s Hamlet) “since brevity is the soul of wit…I will be brief.”

Pastor Walt Kallestad of CCOJ and I first spoke when he called me in December and said that God had lain it on his heart to ask the question of the leadership of our two schools (that is PCUS and Joy Christian School) if we should pursue a partnership of some sort. The leadership of both our communities immediately began to pray over this consideration; we continue to do so to this day.

We are very early in our discussions but want to keep our parents and staff apprised of developments and progress.  

As our conversations shifted from ‘partnership’ to ‘merger’ we quickly identified certain “non-negotiables” which unify us. If we decide to go forward as one, new Christian education entity:

• we would commit to teaching all subjects from a distinctly Christian perspective;
• we would form one new school, with a new 501c3, separate from the church,
• we would form a new board, balanced and blended to include the leadership of each school;
• we wold ensure that the heritage of each school (PCUS and JCS) is respected and honored, but that our primary mission is to establish a new school positioned to have the most effective and efficient reach into the valley of Phoenix.

Even now groups representing the leadership of each school are tasked to work together to discuss and settle such matters as legal & financial documents, blending two curriculums into one, blending two staffs into one, and establishing the identity of the new school (name, colors, mascot, etc).

As always our structure will depend on enrollment but we anticipate maintaining all four campuses (HS/JH on Indian School road, the PCUS Central EL at L&L Church, PCUS West Valley at Skyway Church, and Joy Christian School at CCOJ) for 2010-2011; the final campus structure is yet to be determined.

Much is uncertain at this point, but what is clear is that God has led us to consider this awesome opportunity. We are carefully, earnestly, and prayerfully considering this merger with an eye towards honoring God, pursuing His vision, and doing the very best for the precious sons and daughters entrusted to us by you, our parents.

Please be earnestly in prayer for wisdom, boldness, and unity as we deliberate and decide these matters in the coming weeks. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Jim Koan (Superintendent), Debbie Klem (PCUS Board Chair) or one of the other PCUS Board members.

Blessings, 

Jim Koan                                                  Debbie Klem
Superintendent                                          Board Chair
PCUS                                                       PCUS
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