http://www.academyofthecross.org Periodic updates about our progress in turning our vision into reality! Mon, 11 Oct 2010 15:06:00 GMT en-us Manual RSS Feed Generator (c) Academy of the Cross, St Charles, IL Major Accomplishments
A variety of progress in significant areas has strengthened the position from which we bring alive the Academy of the Cross vision.

Governance
The change from an association of churches to an autonomous governance structure was completed on July 29th with the adoption by the association delegates of the Restated and Amended Bylaws of the new Lutheran high school's corporation.

Work to make that transition began over a year ago with extensive research on an effective future governance model for Lutheran high schools. That research showed that many churches desire to be supportive of Lutheran secondary education, but they no longer have the available financial resources to own and operate a high school. Not only formal research but informal dialog with area church leaders confirmed that assumption.

With the help of a lawyer the change was made in a legally responsible way, and proper communication insured the participation of all churches who had potentially at one time been members of the association.

In addition, a governance study team has helped chart the path of how relationships with supporting congregations will be maintained under the new governance structure. These relationships will be built upon a partnership between churches and the high school that grows from enthusiasm generated by effective communication and shared ministry goals. The team's report summarizes their work and gives direction for future planning and strategies.

Annexation
Very soon, when driving by the property, everyone will see construction equipment onsite and working. This activity is for the trenches being dug to run sewer and water lines along the western edge of our 33 acre site. When the high school is built, the lines will already be onsite for us to be able to tap into. Signing the annexation agreement with the Otter Creek Water Reclamation District, along with granting them easements (see map) across our property, has been the culmination of years of dialog and negotiation among a variety of groups to bring sewer and water service to this area. This is an exciting first step in the development of our site.

Negotiations with Fox River Water Reclamation District are also in progress which will define the terms under which they will provide sewer and water services to Academy of the Cross.

Small Parcel of Land Sold to St. Patrick's
The future site of Academy of the Cross is a 33 acre plot between St. Charles and South Elgin near the intersection of Randall Road and Silver Glen. In July 2010 the closing on the sale of 1.75 acres of that property to St. Patrick's Catholic Church was completed. This sale was necessary for St. Patrick's to establish contiguity to South Elgin in order to obtain sewer and water services for their new elementary school construction. The proceeds from the sale have been set aside by the high school to help offset the significant costs of property improvement including bringing sewer and water services to the future high school. The terms of the sale of the acre and three-quarters to St. Patrick's include a buy-back option at a pre-determined price to be exercised at a future time by the high school.

]]> http://www.academyofthecross.org/progress.php?d=20100525 http://www.academyofthecross.org/progress.php?d=20100525 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 15:06:00 GMT