Cornerstone News - February 2026

From the Executive Council

The past several weeks have been both busy and encouraging as we continue establishing Cornerstone Lutheran School. Much of my time has focused on preparing for the four-day Grandparents Weekend, March 19–22 and helping coordinate the Cornerstone Middle School Campus refurbishments and upgrades. At the same time, I have been working with legal counsel to organize the documents needed to finalize Cornerstone’s legal framework. A good portion of each week is also spent answering questions and helping people understand where we are headed. The goal in all of this is simple - not just to open the school, but to put a stable structure in place that will serve students and families well into the future.

Alongside this work, we have tried to keep communication clear among congregations, school families, and volunteers as plans continue to come together. Much of the effort has centered on the Cornerstone Middle School Campus upgrades under the leadership of Greg Costello and Juel Merseth, with many volunteers giving their time to prepare classrooms and improve learning spaces. Sheet rock has been hung, 88 lockers were moved from Fitzgerald Middle School to the Cornerstone Middle School Campus, and we are now preparing for cleanup ahead of painting by Dan Wiechmann of Wiechmann Painting. It has been encouraging to see members from multiple congregations working side by side toward a shared goal of providing a Christ-centered environment for students.

Financial stewardship has also been a major focus. The Gala planning committee, led by Barb Kaus, Ashley Olsen, and Erika Lemke, has done outstanding work preparing for the Grandparents Weekend, the One Mission Gala, and the All-Church potluck luncheon. Through these events and continued giving, we are seeing meaningful support for the school’s future. Along the way, we have also worked to keep budgets clear, track designated gifts carefully, and use funds in a responsible and transparent way.

The PTF group presented a gift this week of $15,000 for faculty and student enhancements at the Cornerstone Middle School Campus, in addition to $15,000 received in December. Gifts like these are another reminder of people coming together in support of a shared mission. Praise the Lord for this generous outpouring of support.

Most importantly, throughout all of this work we are reminded that Cornerstone exists for a purpose greater than buildings or programs. Our goal remains clear, to educate children and families in faith, knowledge, and service. The progress we are seeing is not simply organizational, but a reflection of many people working together in Christian unity.

From the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors has been actively extending divine calls to meet faculty needs for the upcoming academic year. We are joyful to share, and give thanks to God, that the following calls to serve at Cornerstone Lutheran School for the 2026–2027 school year have been accepted by current Mt. Olive Faculty:

Kindergarten – Miss Jamie Chambers

Kindergarten – Mrs. Kari Sehloff

1st Grade – Mrs. Miranda Dittmer

2nd Grade – Mrs. Jessica Gunderson

2nd Grade – Miss Sarah Strom

3rd Grade – Mrs. Ashley Olsen

4th Grade – Mr. Anthony Navarro

4th Grade – Mr. Jake Beilke

5th Grade – Dr. Benjamin Springer

6th Grade – Mrs. Mandy Pavelchik

7th Grade – Mr. Craig Zibrowski

8th Grade – Mrs. Donna Fosburgh

We are also pleased to share that Mrs. Sarah Kohls has accepted the divine call to serve at Cornerstone. For the 2026–2027 academic year, she will serve in our departmentalized Middle School (grades 6–8). Please continue to keep Sarah and her family in your prayers as she completes this academic year at Risen Savior and prepares to join us at Cornerstone.

The Board continues its work in calling a principal. At the February 15, 2026 Board meeting, a decision was made to request an additional principal call list for review at the March 1, 2026 meeting. We are confident that God will guide this process and bring the leader He has prepared in His perfect timing. We ask that you continue to keep this important work in your prayers.

Looking ahead to the next academic year, significant planning is underway. The progress at the Hillside Middle School campus is bringing to reality that our school will soon serve students at two sites. This is an exciting time for Cornerstone Lutheran School. We also recognize that this growth brings change. The Board is thoughtfully reviewing how best to support students, families, and faculty as we operate across two campuses.

Enrollment Update

Thanks to the commitment of our families, we reached a record number of re-enrollments in the first two weeks of February with 98% re-enrollment completed and the remaining 2% in process! That kind of response says so much about the strength of our community and the trust you place in Cornerstone. We are truly grateful for your partnership and for the opportunity to continue walking alongside your children in their education. Thank you for also submitting your Financial Aid applications. If tuition assistance is something your family may need and appreciate, we have extended the deadline to apply for Financial Aid to March 2 so please submit as soon as possible!

We were so pleased to welcome new and returning families at our Kindergarten Round-Up on February 11 and are looking forward to our Open House on February 19. These events are such a great way to share what makes Cornerstone special. We encourage you to spread the word to friends and neighbors who may be looking for a school home. After March 2, enrollment will open to the public, and we anticipate growing interest in the remaining spots. And as always, please reach out if you have any questions — we’re happy to help.

While change is occurring, we remain firmly rooted in Christ. On February 15, 2026, the Board approved the Mission Statement for Cornerstone Lutheran School, reflecting this conviction:

Built on Christ and the truths of God’s Word, Cornerstone Lutheran School is committed to serving the students of its community with an education that lays a foundation for the future here on earth and forever after in heaven.

We thank God for His continued guidance and for the many faithful individuals supporting this work

In Christ,
Mark Smith - Chair, Executive Council
Derek Harstad - President, Board of Directors