LutheranE lementarySchoolAssociation

Serving Lutheran ElementarySchools, Families & Communities

annualreport

2015-2016

Sue NahmensenChief Executive Officer

Building Blocks Scholarships Help Make Lutheran Education Affordable!LESA’s Building Blocks Scholarship Fund has provided tuition-assistance to 2,976 students in its 12-year history with $3,763,468 awarded in financial aid. Our families, schools, Board of Directors and staff praise God for the gifts from our ministry partners that have made a Lutheran education possible for these students!

Dear Partners in Ministry,

Thank you! Your prayers and gifts of time, talent and treasure come together to give many children in our schools the blessing of a quality, Lutheran elementary school education. One such family recently shared their story with me, expressing how very, very thankful they are for all that has been done for their children through LESA’s Building Blocks Scholarship Fund.

This family has made it their ministry to take in foster children and provide them with a safe, nurturing environment, having adopted many of the children they have fostered over the years. This family instills service to others as a family mission focus, which is actively demonstrated by the parents’ participation in overseas mission trips and in mission projects the children create and conduct themselves. With seven children in the family, four of whom are in elementary school, and a very modest family income, the parents struggle to pay tuition. The father shared, “Our children’s school is a partnership in the spiritual development of our children. Building Blocks’ help with tuition assistance allows us to give our children the Christian foundation that complements what we are teaching them at home to prepare them academically, but most importantly, spiritually for their own life’s mission. Building Blocks and our children’s Lutheran school have been awesome, wonderful blessings for our family.”

Lutheran schools often have been recognized as one of the most effective mission outreach tools available today. Your partnership in the LESA ministry helps support the mission of Lutheran education through delivery of tuition-assistance scholarships, teacher and principal professional development, curriculum guide development, and funding assistance for student services. Thank you for being part of the community of saints who come together to give children the blessing of a Lutheran education. To God be the glory!

Blessed to serve Him with you,

Sue Nahmensen

LESA Revenue and Expenses2015/2016 Fiscal Year % of TotalRevenue Amount RevenueIndividual & Business Contributions ...............$266,928 .................... 18%Grants & Foundations ........................................892,430 .................... 59%Fundraising .........................................................311,482 .................... 21%Membership Dues ................................................34,549 ...................... 2%Other Income ........................................................ 1,392 ...................... 0%Total Revenue .........................................$1,506,781 ................100%

% of TotalExpenses Amount ExpensesManagement & General ................................... $109,587.................... 10%Building Blocks Tuition Assistance ................... 571,612.................... 53%MO District Tuition Assistance .............................35,000...................... 3%CFNA Tuition Assistance ......................................26,000...................... 3%Program Expenses .............................................. 166,471.................... 15%Fundraising ......................................................... 123,482.................... 11%Investment Fees ....................................................53,140..................... 5%Total Expenses ....................................... $1,085,292 ............... 100%

Friend $1-$99Ackley, RobertArambulo, ArnoldAubuchon, MartinAylsworth, JosephBader, Michael & SharonBecker, Bill & DianaBecker, Brian, Linda, Brittany & JenniferBeecher, NicoleBennett, ErikaBergin, JenniferBergin, LeoBergt, GraceBergt, Michael & ChrissyBernhardt, Rev. Robert & SarahBernthal, Jeff & BarbaraBerteau, JanelleBettlach, Ralph & FriedaBeyer, LydiaBick, RachelBierman, StevenBoland, DavidBork, Ron & MarilynBowen, Charley & MollyBoyd, Yvonne M.Boyer, MarkBracy, KoriBrown, David P.Brown, Steve & BeckyBruss, Rev. Eldor A. & JoyceBuchmueller, KeithBuettner, MargaretBugala, StevenBunte, NicoleBurreson, KentButtig, CarolCallies, GaryCarter, Rev. Stephen & GailCase, JeffreyChamberlin, ElizabethChoate, George & CarolynClements, Wayne & CharleneCobb, MaryCoco, BrianCoe, TieishaCoffman, TravisCowan, TrishCrancer, Don & JudyDain, GraceDalske, ChristineDecker, Bill & StephanieDecker, ScottDelleart, SarahDick, Douglas & GraceDickerson, Rev. & Mrs. AaronDickman, BillDobrinic, SusanDodge, NolaDowns, Brian & JeanDoyle, Steve & IdaDustman, PaulaEgger, CalebEggerding, ElaineEickmann, Jonathan C.Ellston, LeslynErdmann, Clayton & RachelEsker, Mark & DeborahEstes, RobertEverett, EricFarmer, ChrisFarris, JonathanFitzgerald, RebeccaFoote, CourtneyFoster, Brian & RachelFrank, PeterFrazier, RuthFrench, JeffreyFurman, NaumGagnepain, LisaGang, CharlesGasaway, Richard & BonnieGastler, Mr. & Mrs. GregoryGerber, DiannaGiang, SherriGibson, MeganGilbert, DennisGilson, Ron & ArlysGodbold, DouglasGolden, ChrisGove, Richard & DorothyGriebel, Rick & Juanita

We would like to acknowledge the 2015-2016 donors by listing their names below. Thank you for making a lasting impact in the lives of children. If your name is missing, please contact us at 314-200-0790.

Gross, TJGrote, BrendaGunnett, FloraHamilton, PhillipHansen, SarahHardieway, LillieHarlin, DavidHartwell, JaredHassler, PeggyHastings, Daniel & KimHawkinson, MarkHeinbokel, AlHelling, VickiHelms, AllenHerrington, DixieHolmes, KelseyHolschen, Carl & JeanHoltgrieve, Donald & GloriaHoly Cross Lutheran Church - WartburgHopfensperger, Nick & EmilyHopkins, JohnHopskeller Brewing Co.Hoskins, Daniel & RebeccaHuddy, JaysonHueitge, BrianHuning, KellyHunnewell, SumnerHuson, Cheryl A.Immanuel Lutheran Church- St. CharlesInman, Chad & HeatherJaquess, Lawrence & AlvariaJoyce Factory Direct of St. LouisKaiser, JeffreyKalin, Al & SandyKaplan, TylerKatherine, SusanKeithman, CecilKelly, JessicaKemper, LeeannKen’s Pepper WorksKeppel, KrisKesterson, JasonKeune, Vernon & ElizabethKienitz, Robert & JulieKinder, JohnKirchoff, WilliamKirk, StephanieKlaas, RichardKoberna, GregKombrink, David & StaciKopinsky, JerryKorando, DennisKovach, Richard & MaryKrause, JohnKrause, SteveKrauter, MarilynKrenning, DanLandskroener, Rev. Timothy & KathyLang, MarjorieLee, MiriamLevy, Darryl & KarenLichtenberg, William & SharonLohr, R. LaneLong, RebeccaLong, SarahLoum, CyrilLoum, HansLoyet, TonyLudwig, RonaldLuttrell, AndrewMahaffey, JoyceManess, KurtMarek, JoanMathes, KyleMaune, CarolMcBroom, JaniceMcCollister, David & JeriMcGovern, Mike & JanineMcMiller, DanielMcPhearson, GeraldineMeyr, Wayne & BarbaraMiller, ColleenMiller, Paul & SusanMoellenhoff, KyleMonroe, BrandonMoore, ToddMueller, DianeMuich, DougMullen, RobertNahmensen, Jim & Ruth

Who are the students served by LESA’s Building Blocks Scholarship program?2015/2016 Fiscal Year

Household Socioeconomic Status Students in households with incomes below the federal poverty level ............................................. 27% Students in households with incomes above the federal poverty level ............................................. 73%Attend Lutheran Schools Urban settings ..................................................................... 19% Suburban or rural settings .................................................. 81%Ethnicity African American ................................................................ 41% Asian ...................................................................................... 2% Caucasian ............................................................................ 53% Eastern European or Middle Eastern ................................ 0.5% Hispanic ................................................................................ 3% Native American ................................................................ 0.5%Faith Affiliation Lutheran ........................................................................... 51.5% Other faith denominations ................................................. 48% No faith home .................................................................... 0.5%

Founder’s Society of LESA

LESA provides financial resources for children in need to obtain a Lutheran Christian education. We advocate and support efforts to improve the sustainability and quality of Lutheran Christian

schools in the metro St. Louis area.

FAMILY AFFORDABILITY – EDUCATIONAL QUALITY – COLLABORATION

We would like to acknowledge the 2015-2016 donors by listing their names below. Thank you for making a lasting impact in the lives of children. If your name is missing, please contact us at 314-200-0790.

Nessel, KellyNewhard, JamesOliveros, GaryOsmack, KeithPalerine, MaryPauluhn, MichaelPedersen-Howard, MattPenn, LauraPettig, MarkPfeiffer, EricPfeiffer, Larry & JanPhillips, BetinnaPhillips, MarilynPigott, RenaPleimann, JanetPolk, Greg & AdriennePolys, JacquelinePowers, JohnPrice, AshleyQuinley, RachelRay, T. J. & LindaRedington, RickReichold, ValerieReinke, Paul & JulieRich, DanielRoma, RonRoscow, Michael & JenniferRosteck, ClaireRueckert, Rev. PaulRuff, MarkRuff, Roger & ElaineRussell, BonnieRust, Mr. & Mrs. KevinRyherd, Brian & AnnSaleska, TimothySanchez, KimSandfort, James & MellanieSanguinet, Craig & BonnieSchaper, VirginiaScharkey, AnnSchewe, AngelaSchikore, Mark & ChrisSchmidt, JonathanSchmidt, MaryleeScholle, WilfredSchooley, WesleySchroeder, DarlaSchulte, PaulSchutte, RonSchwerin, DanielShaughnessy, CarlaShearman, David & SharonShiang, LynnShreve, AngelaSiemers, IleneSieveking, Dr. Paul and CarolynSimplify Your Life, LLCSims, Barbara & TomSmith, PatSmith, Richard ScottSouthwell, AndrewSparwasser, SharonStaab, SheryelStackle, ShannonStallmann, AndrewStarnes, Kermit (Kip) & ClaudiaSterling, DanStich, TamaraStowell, BrianStratmann, Rev. David & ChristineSutton, SusanTakats, ChristineTanenbaum, AaronTate, Richard & CynthiaTesreau, StephanieThiessen, JustinThomas, CecilThompson, Michael & ChristineTimm, GaryTisdale, ColletteToman, ScottUnger, KurtVann, WilliamVickrey, ThomasVienman, AlisonWaddell, Allen & LannaWahlig, DawnWaldmann, Mr. & Mrs. DavidWalther, Dan & KathyWalthers, KoriWamsley, Phyllis

Weber, ArnoldWeber, ChristyWeber, Gary & GraceWehmeier, Gary & MickiWehmeyer, DaveWeiss, DonWhittler, Timothy & JennyWichell, SusanWickell, JeffWillbrand, Dr. James & AnitaWilliams, TravisWinker, Rev. Eldon & JudithWolff, Garry & CharlaYoung, Arthur & MargaretZaban, AmyZaragoza, FrancisZilz, DavidZion Lutheran School-St. CharlesZook, Jodi Supporter $100-$249Albers, Mike & DianeAmbler, MarianneAtkinson, AudreyAtonement Lutheran ChurchBangert, Rev. Mark & LisaBerger, AmyBerndt, ClarenceBirkedal, EllenBirner St. Louis LLC (Renewal By Anderson)Brackman, Tim & JanaBranneky & Sons Mercantile - True ValueBrassie, Dr. Stuart & AliceBraunecker, James & KristeBrofford, Eric & AmyBuckman, Rev. Dr. Allan & CarolBurgdorf, Rev. Lawrence & Sue Buttig, DonCarson, Annette R.Chambers, Chris & JessicaChambers, Jim & CherylChapman, Paul & KimberlyClark, Matt & LisaConcordia Seminary St. LouisCorwin, JuliaCrisler, Mr. & Mrs. PaulDevantier, Rev. Dr. Paul & EllenDierberg, Mr. & Mrs. F. RogerDoering, KennethDrewes, Dave & ReneeDuesenberg, Keith & CarrieEckles, JonathanEggerding, HerbEggold, StephenEliot, SherryEndorf, Paul & KatieEnsor, Eugene & BeaFiehler, SandraFoster, WendyGerler, MarkGier, JosephGrace Chapel PTLGraeler, DebiGreenwald, GailGrosse, PaulGuenzler, Dr. Tom & JennieGuthrie, Gary & CindyHahn, Donald & GailHamrick, Stephen & MaryHancock, Don & TheresaHartung, Rev. Dr. Bruce & JudithHellmann, AllenHerter, Eric & CaseyHesse, WayneHoenig, Donald & GeorgiaHofmann, Karl & DebbieHollmann, James & CynthiaHopf, Mike & MelindaHorstman, AdelaideHorton, Ralph G.Hunter, DaveIezzi, Richard & JeanJennings, AutumnJones, AndrewKaintz, BrendynKim, LauraKlotzer, RebeccaKlug, Zachary & AliciaKoenig, Joe

Krause, LaurenKrenning, Elmore & MargueriteLabore, Rev. Dr. Richard & GayleneLammert, Raymond & JanetLedbetter, ChaseLeet, JanetLeezer, PatsyLiebler, RandyLitherland, BeckyLoeffler, Ray & EstherLohmann, Del & CarolLumpe, Loren & EdithLutheran High School Assn.Marshall, JamesMaxfield, Bill & MarleneMaxfield, Bill & MelissaMcSwain, Grant & StephanieMeyer, AndrewMeyer, Roger & LauraMorris, Michael & WendyNahmensen, Mike & JoanNahmensen, Jim & RuthNickolotsky, Terry & NancyNielsen, Rev. Dr. Glenn & SusanO’Dell, James & CarlaOsak, ValeriePatchett, Tom & RuthPauluhn, JordanPernoud, Joan & FlaviusPeters, Stanley & RachelPittman, ElizabethPivirotto, Christopher & MarieRall, Rev. Dr. Ron & Mary AnneRauh, Mr. & Mrs. SteveRay, Kenneth & MarlaRay, Kurt & SherylRehkop, ThomasRemington, SeanRieffel, RobertRogers, BradRogers, RaymondRohan, Ken & VelmaRohs, Norman & CarrollRomine, Barbara J.Rudolph, Frank & KathyRudsinski, Cal & CarolRummel, MichaelRusert, David & MimiSalem Luth. Church, FlorissantSamberg, JaniceSandfort, MelissaSchillinger, JakeSchlimpert, CarolynSchmid, James & SherrySchmidt, Rev. William & CarolSchmieding, Glen & KarenSenske, Dr. Al & RuthShimkus, John & KarenShirley, AngelaShomidie, ElanaSpohr, LisaStebe, Cliff & KathySteckler, Paul & DeborahStevens, Mr. & Mrs. LarryStock, William & KarenStout, Dennis & DianeStuart, Douglas & MarloSurman, William & VickiTaylor, TamaraThompson, Jim & GerryTorno, ThomasTwillmann, DanielUetrecht, DonaldUnger, Mr. & Mrs. HowardUnger, Tom & AliceViehland, JamesVoges, Ken & JoanWalker, ElizabethWalter, DanWatkins, Jerry & MargaretWeeke, Gene & PamWeinrich, MarkWilkins, Rev. Tim & KarenWilliams, A. BriceWolf, Alan & DebbieWord of Life Lutheran School - St. Louis

Patron $250-$499Agne, Randall & SharonAnghilante, PatAscension Lutheran Church

Avena, Mr. & Mrs. TonyBaumbach, ElizabethBickel, Kenneth & GailBrofford, ArthurBush, Dave & RuthChitwood, RobertConkling, Martin & BrigitteCrumrine, John & KathrynDebrick, Marc & SheilaDuffe, Bill & MicheleEarnie, Fred & CharlanEckert, Kenneth & RitaEdwards, JaneFlorine, DavidFox, James & PamelaGrabski, FabianHarms, Terry & SuzanneHoly Cross Lutheran School - CollinsvilleImmanuel Lutheran Church & School - OlivetteKarg, Rev. & Mrs. RoryKassebaum, Dave & SusieKeel, Dr. William & BonnieKieninger, William & DarleneKlein, Clayton & AmyKlug, JerryKniepkamp, David & PamKoepke, Al & JoanKottmeyer, LornaKovac, Rev. Gerald & BarbaraMark, Edgar & MarthaMoeller, John & PatriciaNiewald, Neal & PamOdegard, Col. Keith & KathleenPapka, Jeff & MelissaPawlitz, Ron & GailPozaric, Steve & KerryRheinecker, BarbaraRiaff, Ron & ElaineSchade, Rev. Allen & DianeSchmieding, Rev. Scott & SusieSchrader, Robert & KarenSchuette, RonaldSt. John’s Lutheran School - Red BudStiegemeier, Bradley & LoisTelle, Mark & MaureenWenzelburger, Edward & BarbaraWilson, Rev. William & BrendaWoehlke, KristenYouthBridge

Partner $500-$999Auble, John & KarliBaan, Eric & LaurieBalsters, Kenneth & SandraBethlehem Lutheran ChurchBoyll, AaronBrackman, James & SandraBrocato, Wayne & JoanBude, Duane & BetteBuuck, ThomasConcordia Publishing HouseDiefenbach, John & MarieDiehl, Jim & MillieGallagher, Charles & LoriGast, Douglas & ThereseGibbs, Mike & DebbieGrewe, GaryHanske, Ted & DorothyHipenbecker, Tim & BobbieHolschen, JolieImmanuel Lutheran Men’s Club - OlivetteImmanuel Lutheran School - WashingtonKiehl, Harold A. “Casey” & BarbaraLaclede Energy Resources, Inc.Leimkuehler, BarbaraLoebs, Norbert & MargotLutheran Church – Missouri Synod FoundationLutheran Senior ServicesLutheran TrustMattson, ChristineMeers, Mark & DianaMiller, Gregory & SherryMissouri Floor CompanyMontgomery, LauraMueller, Kirk & KathyParker, Edward & S&ra

Pawlitz, Aaron & JenniferPflantz, Warren W.Potts, AnthonyRichert, RobinRichter, LauraRowold, Rev. Dr. HenryRuez Law Firm, LLCScheibe, Mr. & Mrs. AlvinSchmich, Steven & DeborahSchmidt, TerrySchneider, Bruce & DeittSell, Dr. Norman & DarleenShoemaker, Joel & KaySiepman, Steve & SandySt. John’s Lutheran School - ArnoldUnger, Raymond & DorothyUnity Lutheran Christian Elementary Schl.Verseman, Kirk & CindyWeber, Greg & BobbieWenger, Daniel

Mission Associate $1,000-$2,499ARCO ConstructionAuble, John & KatherineBinder, David & JoyceBranneky, Tim & JackieBunte, Dave & CindyBunte, James & JerryeBunte, JamieConover, Charles Jr. & NancyDegenhardt, Larry & PearlineEdinger, Richard & Jackie RoedelEggerding, Dean & EricaExelon Matching GiftsFarnham, Danny & KatherineFaulstich, ErichFick, Warren & PhyllisFruend, Lewis & CarolGil Schroeder Sod Sales, Inc.Hofman, Mark & RachelKirby, Rev. Peter & CarlaKohl’s Department StoresKomlos, John & JoanLiefer, Kalin & KathyLohmann, Marvin & KarenLutheran Hour MinistriesMissouri District - LCMSNahmensen, Richard & SusanNegwer Materials, Inc.Pranschke, LeonardRed Bud Industries, Inc.Sandfort, DavidSpencer, Fane, Britt & Browne, LLPSuit, AlanUMB Bank, N. A.Wells Fargo Matching Gifts Program Wollenburg, Rev. Dr. David & Jerry

Steward $ 2,500-$4,999Appelt, JacquelineBrickler, John W. & Marilyn K.Bunte, Brian & PamHimmelsbach, Paul & TammieNiewald, Paul & JeanQuinn, Daniel & DianaRolling, RobertSchroeder, Vern & JoannSimon, RalphTADSThe Boeing Company

Leadership $5,000-$9,999Flooring Systems, Inc.Kisling, Kim & LorenThrivent Financial

Founder $10,000+Bunte, William & LeilaClara & Spencer Werner FundDuesenberg, RobertGerber, John W. & NancyKaufmann, Wayne & SharonLehr, Dr. Eugene & LindaLutheran Foundation of St. LouisMagwitz, BernicePieske, Bob & DianaVogt, Alan & LindaWayne C. Kaufmann Charitable Foundation

Founder’s Society of LESA

Fundraising ActivitiesGive a card that gives back. Purchase your Christmas cards now through LESA. Artwork is designed by students of Lutheran elementary

schools. Each pack of 10 cards with envelopes is $5. Purchase by calling 314-200-0797.

“A Night for Kids” Dinner AuctionApril 22, 2017, Orlando Gardens South. Tickets, tribute ads, and sponsorships available.

“Brew in the Lou…and Fine Wine Too”October 14, 2017, Francis Park. Featuring tastings of St. Louis’ best beer, wine, spirits, coffee, great food, live

entertainment, craft vendors and exhibits. Sponsorships available.

Jacquelyn BrannekyYvonne M. Boyd, Advisory DirectorMarilyn BricklerWilliam BunteMarc Debrick, Advisory DirectorPaul N. Himmelsbach

Leave a Legacy for Lutheran EducationMembership in the Heritage Club is reserved for those who make an impact gift to LESA in their will, trust and or estate plans or through their annual giving. Your gift will help ensure families seeking a Christ- centered quality education have access to Lutheran education. To learn more about the Building Blocks Scholarship and Operations & Programming Endowments, please contact Katherine Auble at 314-200-0797.

Teach Like a PIRATENew York Times Best-Selling author Dave Burgess presented a high-energy, entertaining, and inspirational presentation to 464 educators on September 18, 2015 sponsored by the Lutheran Elementary School Association’s Educational Resources. Educators learned how to dramatically increase student engagement, design wildly creative lessons, and build a course that is a life-changing experience for their students. Dave is an award-winning teacher from San Diego, highly sought after professional development speaker, and the author of Teach Like a PIRATE: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator. Using a unique combination of magic and humor, he reignited our educators’ passion for the profession and showed us how to make school an amazing place that has students wanting to knock down the walls to get in.

11123 South Towne Square, Suite F St. Louis, MO 63123

314-200-0790 • Fax 314-200-0980www.LESAstl.org

www.facebook.com/LESASTL@LESAstl

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LutheranE lementarySchoolAssociation

Serving Lutheran ElementarySchools, Families & Communities

Carla Kirby, Vice ChairPaul NiewaldDaniel Quinn, ChairRev. Scott SchmiedingJerry Wollenburg, Secretary/Treasurer

Teachers Kimberly Clements, Misti Shafer, Jean Aho and LESA’s Laura Montgomery