About
Six leaders. Endless ideas.
Steve
Steve O’Neil is the current Head at Vail Christian High School in Edwards, Colorado, As one of NextEds practicing school heads, he applies on-the-ground lessons, with specialized insight into the international market, single-gender education, and guiding diverse learners.
He also serves as U.S. Board Vice-Chair for Daystar University in Kenya and stays actively involved with the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA).
Past roles
- Private Schools’ Consultant, Curriculum Designers Inc.
- Head, Westminster Schools of Augusta
- Director, Haven Peace Academy (Tanzania)
- Principal, Minnehaha Academy
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He also serves as U.S. Board Vice-Chair for Daystar University in Kenya and stays actively involved with the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA).
Past roles
- Private Schools’ Consultant, Curriculum Designers Inc.
- Head, Westminster Schools of Augusta
- Director, Haven Peace Academy (Tanzania)
- Principal, Minnehaha Academy
Tom
Tom Konjoyan is the current Head of Village Christian School in Los Angeles and has played a critical role in the region for 20 years. As one of NextEds practicing school heads, he is able to apply tangible thinking to our clients fundraising, strategic planning, marketing, and school startup/turnaround.
He is the Treasurer of the Council for Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA) and also enjoys serving as the alumni interviewer for Harvard University.
Past Roles
- Founder, Students First Coalition
- Co-founder/Head, Oaks Christian School
- Director of Foundation, Corporate, and Major Gifts, World Vision
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He is the Treasurer of the Council for Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA) and also enjoys serving as the alumni interviewer for Harvard University.
Past Roles
- Founder, Students First Coalition
- Co-founder/Head, Oaks Christian School
- Director of Foundation, Corporate, and Major Gifts, World Vision
Jay
Jay Ferguson is the current Head of Grace Community School, the largest private school in East Texas, where he has been for 20+ years. As one of NextEd’s practicing school heads, he is able to engage on a relatable level, while providing expert counsel in school law and governance.
He is also chair of the Executive Board for the Association of Christians Schools International (ACSI), where he is able to use his knowledge for a broader impact—a passion that started when he stepped away from being an attorney to teach School Law and Governance at universities.
Past Roles
- President, CESA
- Board Chair, Texas Private School Association
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He is also chair of the Executive Board for the Association of Christians Schools International (ACSI), where he is able to use his knowledge for a broader impact—a passion that started when he stepped away from being an attorney to teach School Law and Governance at universities.
Past Roles
- President, CESA
- Board Chair, Texas Private School Association
Randy
Randy Brunk is an innovator in educational program development—including Reggio-inspired preschool, a FIRST Robotics Lab, and Take Flight, a targeted dyslexia program. He has a passion for growth planning, financial sustainability, personnel development, and talent acquisition.
He currently serves on the Core Team of the Christian Education Charitable Trust of the Maclellan Family Foundation and on the Accreditation Review Committee for the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).
Past Roles
- School Head, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy
- School Head, Peoria Christian School
- Founding Board President, CESA
- President, Illinois Coalition of Non-Public Schools
- Board Member, Ohio Association of Independent Schools
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He currently serves on the Core Team of the Christian Education Charitable Trust of the Maclellan Family Foundation and on the Accreditation Review Committee for the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).
Past Roles
- School Head, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy
- School Head, Peoria Christian School
- Founding Board President, CESA
- President, Illinois Coalition of Non-Public Schools
- Board Member, Ohio Association of Independent Schools
Gary
Gary Arnold has a wealth of education experience which serves as the foundation for tomorrow’s next big idea. Over four decades of school leadership, he has honed his skill and fruitfulness in board governance, executive formation, strategic planning, and advancement.
He directs the Head of School Certification Program for the Council for Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA) and serves on the board for Council for American Private Education in Washington D.C. He and his wife have three daughters, nine grandchildren, and no pets.
Past Roles
- President, Little Rock Christian Academy
- School Head, Chicago, IL
- School Head, Cape Cod, MA
- Lobbyist, Wisconsin Council of Religious & Independent Schools
- Lobbyist, Illinois Coalition of Non-Public Schools
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He directs the Head of School Certification Program for the Council for Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA) and serves on the board for Council for American Private Education in Washington D.C. He and his wife have three daughters, nine grandchildren, and no pets.
Past Roles
- President, Little Rock Christian Academy
- School Head, Chicago, IL
- School Head, Cape Cod, MA
- Lobbyist, Wisconsin Council of Religious & Independent Schools
- Lobbyist, Illinois Coalition of Non-Public Schools
Kurt
Kurt Unruh is a visionary leader who sensed a responsibility to advance Christian schools, moving from attorney to school founder to founder of NextEd. He loves advancing business initiatives that serve Christian causes, and has specific skill in technology, law, governance, and finance.
He serves as the SVP Global Business Director for the Association of Christian Schools International, a further step into guiding of Christian schools, after sitting as a former board member.
Past roles
- Founder/Head, Valor Christian High School
- Charter Member & Executive Board, CESA
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He serves as the SVP Global Business Director for the Association of Christian Schools International, a further step into guiding of Christian schools, after sitting as a former board member.
Past roles
- Founder/Head, Valor Christian High School
- Charter Member & Executive Board, CESA
Why we exist
The world needs exceptional Christian schools because it needs well-educated, biblically anchored and morally clear young people grounded in the Truth.
The church of tomorrow is under construction, and it’s sitting in our K-12 classrooms. Who will prepare these young people for this great calling, both spiritually and intellectually?
We believe no institution is more able to create this treasured human resource than a flourishing Christian school.
But it doesn’t stop there. We must expand our vision to meet the world, because Christ-centered education is not just for the few, but the many. All deserve a seat at the banquet table.
Our difference
With our collective experience and our knowledge of great partnership opportunities, we craft specialized solutions for your school
130+
100m+
annual budgets
400m+
funds raised
11,000+
student graduates
It is critical to amplify, accelerate and perpetuate school improvement, efficiently delivering services at a low cost.
NextEd provides innovative solutions to ease the strain of running a business, so schools can spend more time educating.
Many schools operate in silos without knowledge of the broader education world or have little knowledge of partners who can help them stay up to date.
Each of the NextEd team members have extensive networks that provide access to quality existing support partners.
The power of two
Find the need
We ask great questions to uncover the full picture of what’s needed.
Pick the duo
Two leaders are chosen with the client in mind, to spur ideas, and cover blindspots.
Hit the mark
Solutions are presented which give the client actionable and clear next steps.
Look ahead
Consulting doesn’t stop at delivery. NextEd helps clients prepare for secondary effects.
Magic bullets
While we don’t believe in quick-fix solutions, the outcome of NextEd’s work can feel like magic for your school.
Our solutions help Christian school leaders and administrators
- Create an exciting and engaging school culture
- Differentiate from key competitors
- Build customized strategic action plans
- Provide critical dashboards for the school’s fiscal health
- Raise necessary funding for growth and expansion
- Increase the likelihood of a sustainable future
- and much more!
Take the first step toward your next step, today!
Whatever you need, NextEd can find a way foward for you. It all starts with a conversation about you and the exciting opportunity (or pain point) you face.