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2024 Ministry Report

2024 Ministry Report

Looking back on this past year, my heart is full of gratitude for the incredible people who make up our LESA community.

Each time I visit one of our Lutheran schools, I’m reminded of how special this ministry is—joyful classrooms, dedicated teachers, and students growing not just in knowledge, but in faith. It’s a privilege to serve an organization that supports this life-changing work, and I’m so proud of all we’ve accomplished together in 2024.

Thank you—to our donors, schools, ministry partners, and volunteers. Your prayers, gifts, and unwavering support allow us to keep saying “yes” to families who dream of a Lutheran education for their children. Because of you, more students are learning in Christ-centered classrooms where they are known, loved, and equipped for the future.

We’re excited for what’s ahead, and we’re so grateful to walk this journey with you.

Sincerely,

Libby Gutberlet
CEO, Lutheran Elementary School Association 

Our Ministry Impact

20 Years Of Ministry

11,335 student awards of tuition assistance

$7.7 Million in tuition assistance

38,000+ hours of professional development

33 elementary schools + 4 high schools

LESA Serves

38 accredited schools and affiliate members

2 educational partner members

5 free standing early childhood center partners

Revenue

Expenses

Educational Resources

STEM Programs

Youth Coding League
5
Schools
12 Teams
$9,000 LESA Support

LEGOs
292+
Students
1,530+ Hours
13 Schools
24 Classes

Student Support/Counseling

2582 hours
1,009 students
$15,000 in LESA support

Faculty Development

596 teachers and principals attended 5 professional development workshops for 1,846 hours total training.

70% of attendees reported knowledge gained as a result of attendance
91% of attendees reported the topics were beneficial to them in their ministries

4 teachers attended year-long TEC 21 technology workshops with $2,500 in LESA support.

Tuition Assistance

$566,748 in scholarships was awarded to 665 students at 29 schools.

Promoting Lutheran Education as the best choice in education
and influencing school enrollment with the three “P’s”

Promote enrollment milestones
in local media.

Partner with local media personality and committed Lutheran schools alumnus and parent, Annie Frey, to promote Lutheran education.

Purchase advertising and billboard space to encourage open house attendance and enrollment.

Board of Directors

Rev. Alan Erdman
Chairman 

Alan Vogt
Vice-Chairman 

Jeff Schmitt
Secretary

Jackie Branneky
Treasurer

Marilyn Brickler
Chair Emeritus

John Crumrine

Jim Eckrich

Rev. David Gruenwald

Cathryn Hohl

Dennis Kemper

Joanne Smith

Kip Starnes

Ananda Baron
Advisory Director

Dr. Mel Sandfort
Advisory Director

Vision

Every child in the St. Louis region has access to an excellent, innovative, transformative Lutheran education.

Mission

Equipping families, Lutheran schools and faith communities for dynamic, Christ-centered education.

Values

1. Christian Community Connecting schools, donors and partner ministries to bring Christ to students and families.
2. Relationship-Focused Appreciating generosity and engaging donors with purpose.
3. Academic Excellence Equipping educators to nurture Christian faith and pursue excellence in the teaching-learning experience.
4. Strategic Growth Stewarding endowed investments and leveraging generosity to optimize mission impact.
5. Catalyst Promoting Lutheran school enrollment through strategic marketing efforts and optimizing financial support to families.

Staff

Libby Gutberlet
Chief Executive Officer

Laura Montgomery
Director Educational Resources

Amee Colvin
Director Development & Marketing

Maureen Gersman
Director Scholarship Programs

Warren Fick
Financial Services