Two Projects, One School: International Christian School of Budapest

​by Dr. David A. Wells
​The GLOBAL Group has been afforded the opportunity to work on two consequential projects with the leadership and Board of the International Christian School of Budapest (www.icsbudapest.org) over the last two years.

The first was a comprehensive organizational assessment focusing on eleven organizational and operational facets.  This was conducted by six GLOBAL Consultants who reviewed documentation and evidence, surveyed stakeholders and solicited and processed information through interviews and conversations. Four consultants then conducted a campus visit and crafted the final report.  This team included James Hanson, Dr. Janet Lowrie Nason, Wayne Lynch, Dr. Toby Travis, Alfredo Umaña, and Dr. David Wells, each focusing on areas of professional expertise, ensuring an expert assessment informed by data and an understanding of the school’s unique context.  The assessment report was well received and has been used to inform the ongoing work of the Director and her team, and the school’s Board.   
 
GLOBAL was then hired to facilitate the ICSB long-term strategic planning process, in which mission-critical challenges and opportunities were to be addressed.  This process included an “environmental scan”, one element of which was to seek data and understanding of realities faced by similar schools around the globe.  The planning process included planning retreats and meetings with the ICSB Board and Leadership Team, and virtual support in the process.  Dr. Wells provided this service, and Wayne Lynch participated directly as a resource for the financial planning facet of the project.

In the words of ICSB leaders:
 
"The International Christian School of Budapest engaged the services of the Global Group on two occasions when we needed outside perspective and support. First, a team of consultants conducted a thorough Comprehensive Organizational Assessment for ICSB. The resulting report was insightful in helping our leadership team, and school board make informed decisions. We again hired GLOBAL to facilitate our strategic planning process in which we tackled some complex issues. Together we conducted a global survey of International Christian Schools to gather input about challenges in enrollment, staffing, finances, and other threats to the environment of our schools. GLOBAL’s work with us in developing outside data assisted us in strategic planning with a much wider perspective as we focused on sustainable growth. David Wells and Wayne Lynch helped us practically address mission-critical challenges and opportunities with seasoned experience and practical models. Their work enabled us to achieve greater unity and clarity as we lead ICSB strongly into the future. We highly recommend the services of the GLOBAL School Consulting Group!"

(Dr. Kristi Hiltibran and Matthew Paschall, Director and Board Chair)

The GLOBAL Group has been blessed and honored by the opportunity to contribute in this way to the ministry of the International Christian School of Budapest.  These projects directly align with GLOBAL’s stated commitment to employ proven diagnostics, develop customized solutions, and provide wise counsel to schools and their leaders to ensure that schools' practical and aspirational ends are met."

Blessings,

​David