“This is my last newsletter for TLSP. It has been such a pleasure and honor to serve our Lutheran schools. I am thankful to Mark (Mark Muehl) and Jon (Jon Dize) for making the working environment so fun, yet productive. I admire our principals who are asked to do so much with few resources. And I love our teachers. They are the hearts and souls of our Lutheran schools. God speaks to our children through them, and I will truly miss the privilege of working with them.” -Cindy McKinney
It’s probably not a farewell that will go up there with Lou Gehrig’s, “Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth” speech in Yankee stadium. However, when a farewell was requested from Cindy, this was her response- simple, heartfelt and recognizing of God’s work in her and our schools.Over Cindy’s tenure as academic excellence coordinator, new programs were started, a variety of educational resources were shared and data has been emphasized in forming education goals and objectives. From Critical Friends Visits to curriculum mapping, our schools have been challenged to make productive and important changes. But probably the most important progress made for our schools is the move to collaboration and the growth of leadership within our network of schools. Andy Gavrun, principal of Wyneken Memorial Lutheran School shares about Cindy, “Your time, dedication, and service having been an amazing testimony of the leadership and support you have provided over the years. I am especially thankful for all you have done with the target tech group, professional development, and your leadership in our administrative meetings.” Andy’s thanks are representative of our schools’ administrators and teachers as we all have recognized Cindy’s subtle but effective efforts in growing an atmosphere of cooperation in our region.Cindy’s greatest gift is one of humility. Heidi Adair, vice chairman of TLSP’s Board of Directors says, “Your love for education and your desire to see our Lutheran Schools move forward was evident. Your respect and enjoyment for the teachers in the Lutheran school system was also obvious. I never felt as though you viewed yourself as the ‘person with all the answers’ but rather as a colleague coming alongside to share thoughts and perspectives in a way that moved the education ball forward. You will be missed.”Peace and joy to you, Cindy. You have been blessed to be a blessing. God’s rich grace be evident to you in your new endeavors.
