Strategic Plan

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Shine On logo to represent next phase of LuHi's strategic plan

In 2020, Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School launched Shine, a bold five-year Strategic Plan designed to elevate programs, strengthen community, and ensure that our mission would thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Five years later, we are grateful to celebrate meaningful growth and sustained momentum. Shine has shaped our school in visible and lasting ways — strengthening our academic programs, expanding our reach, and enhancing our campus environment — all grounded in Christian Love, Excellence, Community, and Family.

Now we look ahead. With Shine as our foundation, we are launching the next chapter of our strategic vision: Shine On.
Shine On charts a bold and transformative course for LuHi’s future. Guided by the Three Horizons framework*, this plan enables us to faithfully steward what is essential today while advancing the long-term vision God has placed before us. It gives us the space, the clarity, and the courage to become a true life-preparatory school—one where students are known deeply, challenged thoughtfully, and supported wholeheartedly as they grow into who God created them to be.

Our future is marked by relational learning, Christ-centered formation, innovative pathways, and inspiring spaces that prepare students to rise as purposeful, confident leaders.

Our complete Strategic Plan is available in our digital flipbook.

 * Adapted from The Alchemy of Growth, by Mehrdad Baghai, Stephen Coley, and David Whyte (2000)

Shine On logo to represent next phase of LuHi's strategic plan

In 2020, Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School launched Shine, a bold five-year Strategic Plan designed to elevate programs, strengthen community, and ensure that our mission would thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Five years later, we are grateful to celebrate meaningful growth and sustained momentum. Shine has shaped our school in visible and lasting ways — strengthening our academic programs, expanding our reach, and enhancing our campus environment — all grounded in Christian Love, Excellence, Community, and Family.

Now we look ahead. With Shine as our foundation, we are launching the next chapter of our strategic vision: Shine On.

Shine On charts a bold and transformative course for LuHi’s future. Guided by the Three Horizons framework*, this plan enables us to faithfully steward what is essential today while advancing the long-term vision God has placed before us. It gives us the space, the clarity, and the courage to become a true life-preparatory school—one where students are known deeply, challenged thoughtfully, and supported wholeheartedly as they grow into who God created them to be.

Our future is marked by relational learning, Christ-centered formation, innovative pathways, and inspiring spaces that prepare students to rise as purposeful, confident leaders.

 * Adapted from The Alchemy of Growth, by Mehrdad Baghai, Stephen Coley, and David Whyte (2000)

Celebrating the Impact of Shine (2020-2025)

The impact of Shine can be felt across every part of our community. Together, we celebrate

  • A fully renovated 30,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art classroom wing, designed for collaboration, innovation, and future-ready learning.
  • Expanded resources and support for faculty and staff, equipping them to serve students with excellence.
  • Record new student enrollment that reflects the strength of our programs and the vitality of our mission.
  • LuHi Summer Programs expanded significantly, offering more opportunities for young learners and families across Long Island.
  • Significant revenue growth, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.
  • Progress on the Rise.Shine. Campaign, raising more than $10.9 million toward a $15 million goal to continue strengthening our campus.

These outcomes are a direct result of aligned vision, prayer, and the commitment of the entire LuHi community.

While Shine represents a remarkable season of growth, it is not the final destination. It is one chapter in LuHi’s unfolding story. As we reflect on the lessons learned and the successes achieved, we now look forward with renewed energy.

The future of LuHi is bright. Together, we will ensure that our school continues to thrive, grounded in faith, for years to come.
– John Buck | Head of School

We once again partnered with Concentrics, Inc. for this work. The process included key stakeholder interviews, a comprehensive survey, and culminated with a large cross-section of community members for a community advisory session on campus, aimed at envisioning the school’s next chapter. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents, and community partners came together for this highly engaged, full-day workshop focused on reflection, idea generation, and shared priorities. Participants explored LuHi’s foundational strengths, reviewed key survey data, and contributed to strategic brainstorming around future opportunities. The day underscored both the depth of passion within our community and a shared desire to build on the strong groundwork established through Shine. We are deeply grateful to our core working group and to every member of our community who invested time, insight, and thoughtful perspective into this process.

Core Working Group

  • John Buck ’02 (Head of School)
  • Chris Nicholas ’91 (Board President)
  • Allison Sweeney ’83 (Board Member)
  • Jessica Raba ’98 (Assistant Head of School | Principal)
  • Nicole Littrean (Associate Director of Advancement)

Core Working Group

John Buck ’02 (Head of School)
Paul Homer (Board President)
Karen Hallock (Board Member)
Thomas Holcomb (Board Member)
Darryl Ramsey (Board Member)
Jessica Raba ’98 (Assistant Head of School/Principal)
Jane Lottes (Director of Advancement)
Janna Kalin (Director of Admissions & Communication)
Chris Reno (Assistant Principal of Student Life)
Daniel Kielbasa (HS Teacher/Faculty Representative)
Kara Martone ’03 (Director of Technology and Communications)
Andy Mozenter (Consultant, Concentrics)

Steering Committee

(Includes members of the Core Working Group)
Thomas Schreckinger ‘20
Chloe Jones ‘20
Gaurav Ajmera ‘20
Felicia Wen ‘21
Stacie Reid (LuHi Parent)
Allison Sweeney ‘83 (LuHi Parent)
Kelly Walters (School Counselor)
Christina Raiti ‘12 (Assistant Athletics Director)
Amber Browning (World Language Teacher)
Rev. Mark Herbst (Association Pastor)
Sheldon Bassarath ‘86 (LuHi Parent)
Paul Hinsch ‘70 
Danielle Lemieux (LuHi Parent)
Laura Bauer (Former Board President)
Frank D’Angelo (LuHi Parent)