Not unlike the story of those who traveled for generations to reach the promised land, Covenant Christian School is on the move again.
Next week it will trek from First Christian Church on Randall Road, where it operated for two years, to Hope Evangelical Lutheran at 1575 Reckinger Road in Aurora.
But even those new digs will be temporary, says Covenant Christian School Principal Nina Bissett, as the school continues an aggressive quest to secure a building of its own, along with a more sustainable future.
Much has happened since I reported in February that this beloved but beleaguered school, which has been part of the Aurora community since 1979, was in danger of closing even before the school year was over because of financial issues.
Many of those struggles have to do with the fact Covenant Christian School is so committed to providing a high-quality Bible-based education to children of all socioeconomic backgrounds. Officials tell me 62% of its 100 students last year received tuition assistance.
A desperate plea went out for help. And people near and far responded.
Although money came in from all over the country, “I really want to thank Aurora. The community really stepped up,” said Covenant Christian School Board Chairman Huntley Brown. “They called, they emailed, they texted. And we are forever grateful.”
While the school’s crowdfunding goal of $300,000 fell short, a total of $50,000 was reached in a short amount of time that made it possible for the school’s doors to remain open through May and to continue overhauling a business plan that hopefully will keep them open.
In addition to meeting with Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin and his team, who provided “helpful recommendations,” said Brown, Covenant Christian School called upon an A-team of turnaround specialists. Among them were Christian Lesler of Project World Impact, and Gene Frost, who has saved hundreds of private schools, including Wheaton Academy, which is considered the “gold star” in Christian education, added Brown.
Covenant Christian School is looking for more donors, grants and support from other churches, and has embarked on what the board chairman describes as a “major” marketing campaign and recruitment drive.
“One thing we learned, we can’t make the mistake of giving away what we don’t have,” said Brown, an international Christian pianist who helped the school form academic ties to Judson University in Elgin, where he is the artist in residence.
“The money to sustain must come from somewhere … so we will slightly increase the fee and work with those who can’t afford the tuition,” he told me.
Brown and Bissett both believe one major step in the right direction is the school is again aligned with a church, as it was from its early years until 2009 with the now-closed Aurora Community Church.
A few weeks ago, a partnership was formed with Impact Church Aurora. And, indeed, that can’t help but have a positive influence.
This nondenominational congregation and its pastor, the Rev. Jamin Becker, have been building an impressive following in the 15 years since it started here, and like Covenant Christian School, has a strong commitment to the Aurora community.
But Impact, which currently meets at Aurora Christian School on Sullivan Road, is also looking for a home of its own.
Both church and school are “vigorously searching for a permanent location,” said Brown, who identified property off Galena Boulevard that could work well if zoning can get approved.
Right now, however, the focus is on this upcoming move and an open house that will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. July 8 at Hope Lutheran. Covenant Christian School must boost enrollment, leaders say, especially after so much uncertainty and change.
The school has occupied a number of churches, including First Presbyterian, Emmanuel Lutheran, First Christian, Hope Lutheran and Westminster Presbyterian, where it held classes from 2009 until 2022. Its stint at First Christian was cut short, said Brown, because more space was needed after that congregation’s recent merger with Community Christian.
There are “some things that still need to be worked out,” said the Rev. John Fritz, pastor of Hope Lutheran. But the church and school, he pointed out, had “a good working relationship” 20 years ago when Covenant Christian School rented space. And this lifeline was offered “because we like to work with our brothers and sisters in Christ when possible,” Fritz added.
“I could write a book … ‘Have Covenant Will Travel,’” said Covenant Christian School Principal Bissett, who is grateful for the warm welcome the school received again from Hope Lutheran, even knowing it will be a temporary stop on its journey to that promised land.
The board has faith that future contains a building Covenant Christian School can call its own.
Bissett insists that, throughout the many years she’s been leading schools, “I have seen how God has come forth every time and parted the Red Sea.”
Her optimism is shared by the Rev. Roscoe Dechalus of Bartlett, who as a new board member is looking at the situation through “fresh eyes,” he maintained.
“Normally I am very cautious,” Dechalus added. “But when I hear about the history of Covenant Christian and I see the people on this team, I believe in them.
“I am on a journey to be optimistic. I am encouraged.”
dcrosby@tribpub.com