Convention Workbook

Report from Mrs. Rachel Klitzing
Executive Director of School Ministries
Service to schools and congregations of the
District continues to be a vital and vibrant
ministry. In June of 2010 the School
Ministries staff plus the chairmen of both the
Early Childhood Cabinet and the K-12
Cabinet met for a day of prayer and visioning
for Pacific Southwest District School
Ministries. Through prayer and by the Holy
Spirit’s guidance, a new purpose and vision
statement, core values and strategic goals
emerged.
Under the Pacific Southwest District mission
to effectively resource congregations and
schools to fulfill the Great Commission, the
purpose of School Ministries is to be
connected in Christ and connected with each
other by building and maintaining Godpleasing
relationships.
Core Values:
• Passion for Ministry
• Integrity
• Excellence
• Accountability
• Servant-Leadership
Vision:
School Ministries of the Pacific Southwest
District will effectively resource health,
accountable 21 st Century Lutheran Schools
that are:
• motivated by the Gospel,
• expectantly yearning for God’s
direction,
• true to the Lutheran tradition of
educational excellence, and
Led by pastoral and school leaders who model
• passionate commitment to school
ministry, trusting relationships,
• peaceful partnerships, and
SCHOOL MINISTRIES
• give support and encouragement to
teachers, staff, students and their
families to be dynamic disciples of
Jesus Christ and life-long learners.
During this past triennium we have
intentionally and purposefully worked to
integrate these goals into tactics and action
plans which drive our ministry.
School Ministries in the Pacific Southwest
District serves 114 Early Childhood Centers,
58 Elementary Schools, and 9 High Schools.
20,750 children are served by over 1,200
educators. This past school year, as a result of
the mission and ministry of Pacific Southwest
District Lutheran schools, 949 children were
baptized and 440 adults were confirmed.
District services to schools and congregations
have been guided and provided by the staff of
School Ministries as well as a number of task
forces, committees, networks and cabinets.
Cabinets include the Early Childhood Cabinet
and the K–12 School Cabinet. These cabinets
are made up of educators representing each of
the six school regions. The following
information highlights professional growth
and training, communication pieces, and
resources developed by volunteer members of
these cabinets, task forces, and committees
alongside the leadership of the School
Ministries staff.
The Lutheran Educators Conference
provides the single-most comprehensive and
extensive continuing education opportunity
for school personnel at all levels. Attendance
at the annual conference has been between
800-1,000 participants. The conference
features nationally-recognized presenters,
both from within the LCMS system and from
other educational entities. Officers are elected
by the conference. Beginning with LEC 2012,
a strategic transformation will take place with
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