Board of Trustees

Richard Dykstra served two terms as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Kitchener- Waterloo Christian School Society and Vice-Chair of Laurentian Hills Christian School Building Expansion Committee (2010). Richard is an active member of Community Christian Reformed Church where he has served as Chair and Vice-Chair of Church Council. Currently retired, Richard for worked 35 years in Marketing Management for an international technology corporation and achieved certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP).

Dr. Adrian Guldemond was elected Chair of the OACSF Board in January of 2010. He brings to the table considerable expertise and experience in the areas of governance , school administration and curriculum design. While officially retired after 40 years of work in Christian education, he continues to work on several research projects that will create a current knowledge base for the growth of Christian education.

John Hensen graduated Calvin College (1978) where he earned a teacher's certificate majoring in Physical Education with a minor in English and Art. John achieved a Professional Teaching Certificate from province of British Columbia where he taught Junior and Senior High school for 15 years. (1978-1993). During his teaching career John took courses in curriculum development. Achieved professional HRPAO certification in 1994 and worked 15 years as a corporate Director of Human Resources for ITML, a large horticultural plastic container business encompassing 9 plants in the US and Canada. John believes that Christian education is a natural extension of the values and Biblical teaching taught in our homes. A biblically based upbringing, a Christ-centered education and being an active member of a Christian church have all been important in creating and developing a firm Christian foundation from which John is challenged daily to life-long service in God's kingdom.

Sue Kikkert and her husband, live in Smithville and attend Grimsby Mountainview CRC where Sue serves as a member of the Personnel Ministry Team and as a leader for the "Coffee Break” outreach ministry. As a former educator, Sue has always been passionately involved in Christian education and has served on many school committees and boards. Sue is currently also a member of the Alliance Board.

Henry Kooy and his wife, Marg, live in London. Prior to retiring in August, 2009, he taught for one year at Strathroy Community Christian School, seven years at Chatham Christian School, and then served as principal at Chatham Christian High School (six years) and London District Christian Secondary School (twenty-six years). Henry is currently involved in the Ontario Christian Schools Administrators Association's mentoring program. Henry is a member of the Bethel Christian Reformed Church where he is involved in their children's ministry, personnel committee and church renewal team. Henry is committed to Christian education at all levels (JK – university). He believes that providing students with an education that integrates Christian faith, learning, and living enables them to grow in their Christian faith, and their commitment and ability to apply their faith to every aspect of their lives in service to God and neighbour.

Ron Nightingale is a member of Community Christian Reformed Church in Kitchener where he lives with his family. He practices business and real estate law with a local firm. Ron is a long-time supporter of Christian education having received his primary and secondary education at Christian schools and, in turn, providing that same opportunity for his children. He has served and, continues to serve, on numerous boards including, the board of the local Christian high school.

Gerry Steggerda  has over 34 years experience in the Information Technology industry, covering a broad variety of areas including large scale project management, systems development, strategic planning and risk management. He has been certified as a Project Management Professional since August 1999. Gerry has been involved with Christian Schools for the past 20 years.He has served as the Chair of the OACS for 6 years from 1991 to 1997 and is currently an OACS board member.

Vacant (one position)

 Michael VanPelt, President of Cardus, a public policy think tank, has more than 20 years of experience in public life, including advocacy with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the Chamber of Commerce and serving as a municipal Councillor. A graduate of McMaster University, Michael has authored and co-authored numerous articles ranging from religion and public life to economics and government policy. He lives in Ancaster, Ontario with his wife Deani and their three children.

Larry Lutgendorff M.A. CFRE,   is the Director of OACS Foundation. He has over 20 years of experience in not for profit organizations and has been instrumental in raising over 1,000,000 dollars for local Christian schools and Christian education causes. Larry is married to Wilma and they have two children currently attending Christian university and high school. Larry is a member of the Association of Fund raising Professionals (AFP) and has completed the professional certification program, Certified Fund Raising Executive, CFRE.