Education Ministries Report

Introduction

The last quadrennium of the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (NEC) Office of Education, has been a journey marked by change, growth, and renewal, while ultimately laying a foundation for stability and vision. The story of 2021–2025 is one of adaptation to new realities, resilience in the face of transitions, and determination to embrace God’s leading in our schools.

Education remains one of the central ministries of the Conference. Our schools shape the minds and hearts of the next generation, nurturing both academic excellence and spiritual formation. As we reflect on the past four years, we are mindful of the challenges overcome and grateful for the blessings that have propelled our system forward.

This report captures the history, progress, and key milestones of the NEC Office of Education during the 2021–2025 quadrennium, and it outlines the vision that will guide the next four years.

A Quadrennium of Change (2021–2023)

The period began under the shadow of significant change. The September 2021 Constituency Session brought both transitions in the leadership of the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, bringing renewed commitments to the ministry of education.

October 2021: Honoring Legacy, Navigating Post COVID-19

Emerging from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools experienced significant declines in enrollment, influenced by factors such as family relocations and job losses. As she entered her third term, Dr. Viola Chapman was appointed Superintendent of Schools.  In this post-pandemic era, she was entrusted with the responsibility of rebuilding enrollment, while also guiding schools through critical infrastructural improvements to meet the demands of enhanced ventilation, evolving health and safety regulations, and advancing technologies.

2022: A Transitional Year of Change

In early 2022, the Office of Education experienced an unexpected shift when the Superintendent of Schools went on extended sick leave, ultimately passing away in late summer. To provide continuity of leadership, Dr. Pollyanna Barneswas appointed as Interim Superintendent. Her service brought stability during an uncertain season, even as the Conference sought permanent leadership.

On April 11, 2022, the Executive Committee appointed Dr. Greg Baldeo as Superintendent of Schools. His arrival signaled a paradigm shift. With energy and creativity, Dr. Baldeo introduced the Northeastern Conference’s new vision and branding strategy for NEC schools, unveiling a four-year strategic plan under the theme “Building Something Better.”

This plan was more than administrative restructuring—it was a cultural shift. Dr. Baldeo emphasized innovation, consolidation, and a renewed sense of purpose. His symbolic gesture of trading traditional dress shoes for trendy sneakers illustrated the desire to move education forward with relevance and flexibility.

Key initiatives launched in 2022 included:

1. Rebranding the Northeastern Adventist Academy (NEAA) with a fresh identity and clarified mission.
2. Consolidating campuses to ensure sustainability, reducing from 16 campuses to 10 while strengthening the core institutions.
3. Creating a “Portrait of a Graduate” to articulate the outcomes expected for NEC students.
4. Developing a comprehensive four-year strategic plan to guide decision-making.
5. Engaging constituents in dialogue about the future of Adventist education in the region.

These bold steps represented change in action, setting the stage for long-term transformation.

March 2023: Another Transition

Just as momentum was building, another transition occurred. In March 2023, Dr. Baldeo resigned from his position as Superintendent. His departure left a gap but also opened the way for the next phase of God’s providence in NEC education system.

On March 28, 2023, the Executive Committee unanimously elected Mrs. Venetta Jarvis as Superintendent of Schools. A veteran educator and leader, Mrs. Jarvis previously served as principal of the NAA Boston Campus. She brought with her a proven record of academic excellence, innovative programming, and a deep passion for both students and teachers.

Her appointment was met with widespread support and enthusiasm. The words of the NEC administrators reflected the mood of the moment: “With Mrs. Jarvis’ leadership, we are committed to continuing to provide the highest quality education to our students and ensuring that every child receives the support they need to succeed.”

Thus, by mid-2023, the story of change gave way to a new chapter of stability.

A Season of Stability (2023–2025)

With new leadership in place, the focus shifted from transition to consolidation and stability. Superintendent Jarvis inherited the initiatives already in progress and brought her own vision and expertise to strengthen the system.

Her tenure emphasized what she often referred to as the “Educating for Time & Eternity” Under her leadership, NEC schools began to experience renewal in multiple areas:

1. Enrollment Growth – The schools have demonstrated measurable growth in student enrollment, effectively reversing prior years of decline and generating renewed confidence in long-term sustainability. Following a consistent downward trend that culminated in 2022 with the lowest enrollment figures on record, the system has since stabilized, and the declining trend has been reversed, reflecting a marked and steady increase in student enrollment and retention.
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2. Financial Stability – Careful management and increased accountability improved the financial outlook for schools, reducing deficits and enhancing scholarship opportunities. In 2022-2023 the Northeastern Conference Administrators launched a bold initiative that involved the Restructuring, Resetting and Rebuilding on the foundational principles that govern our educational system and as a result two key policies were established to ensure the sustainability and viability of our schools within the Conference:
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   ‍These two policies are:

• Financial Solvency-All churches would become constituent churches and as such were invited to participate in the financial solvency of our institutions by contributing 2.5% of their local budget
• Governance – Policies and procedures were reviewed and strengthened, improving the effectiveness of boards and school leadership teams.The formation of the board of trustees would make provisions for a more inclusive participation of the Constituent churches

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The contributions of our Churches 2.5% in part addresses the following components that ensure the success and longevity of the overall educational system:

The following components encompasses the following:

Subsidy; Income-based Scholarships; Building Renovations & Repairs, which includes Water & Sewer, Gas, Electric, and internet; Property Insurance; and Operational Expenses

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• Component #1 - Subsidy: The Northeastern Conference will provide each campus with a subsidy reimbursement from the funds collected as part of the monthly 2.5% each church remits to the conference to aid in the operations of the academies.
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• Component #2 - Scholarship Support – Expanded scholarship programs opened the doors for more families to access Adventist education, ensuring that finances would not be a barrier to mission. II. Income-based Scholarship: Provided parents an opportunity to receive financial support, and specific amount would be allocated and applied to their tuition for the entire school year.  Since 2023- to the present school year all ten campuses have participated in assisting their parents with obtaining these scholarships and over   $2,000,000.00 in scholarships have been awarded.
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• ‍Component #3 - Facilities Upgrades – Investments were made in the improvement of campuses, signaling to students and parents that NEC schools are places of excellence.III. Building Renovations & Repairs: 21st-century education requires facilities to be reflective of an environment that is conducive for learning, aesthetically pleasing and capable of supporting technological innovation in the classroom. The contributions of 2.5% have begun the process that allows for upgrades and the development of an infrastructure that will support the current needs of our students equipping all for current and future education trends and methodologies. To date, 50% of our Campuses have undergone significant repairs and renovations.
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• ‍Component #4 - Property Insurance: It is essential that all our Conference properties remain current and insured. Therefore, school buildings that are attached* to a church building, the Northeastern Conference Corporation will assume 50% of the insurance premium; and for Stand-alone school buildings**, the Northeastern Conference Corporation will assume 100% of the insurance premium.
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• ‍Component #5 - Operational Expenses: Northeastern Conference Corporation will assume the following expenses:
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  • 100% of utility bills - (Stand-alone buildings) gas, electric, water & sewer, and internet
  • 50% of utility bills that are shared expenses with the church.
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  This season of stability did not erase the challenges but brought a sense of direction and confidence. Stakeholders—teachers, parents, students, pastors, and administrators—expressed renewed trust in the system’s ability to navigate the present and prepare for the future.

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Vision for the Future (2025–2030)

As the 2021–2025 quadrennium draws to a close, the NEC Office of Education looks forward with a spirit of vision. The next five years will be guided by the theme:

“Rooted in Jesus, Reaching for Excellence”

This vision recognizes that Adventist education is most effective when deeply anchored in Christ-centered values, while at the same time equipping students for success in the 21st century.

Strategic Priorities for 2025–2030

1. Spiritual Foundation – Every initiative will be Christ-centered, ensuring that students graduate not only with knowledge but with a strong spiritual identity.
2. Academic Excellence – NEC schools will continue to enhance curricula, instructional strategies, and assessment tools to prepare students for college, careers, and lifelong learning.
3. Accessibility and Affordability – The Conference will expand scholarships, financial aid, and community partnerships to ensure more families can access Adventist education.
4. Technology Integration – Classrooms will embrace technology to prepare students for the digital age while maintaining Adventist principles of balance and discernment.
5. Leadership Development – Investments will be made in the professional growth of teachers and administrators, equipping them to be innovative leaders.
6. School Growth and Sustainability – Building on past consolidation, NEC Office of Education will seek not just survival but expansion, planting new programs and exploring creative models of education.
7. Community Engagement – Schools will strengthen ties with churches, alumni, and neighborhoods, positioning education as a vibrant mission arm of the Conference

Casting the Vision

The vision for 2025–2030 is not simply about managing institutions—it is about transforming lives. It is about producing graduates who are rooted in Jesus yet ready to reach for success in a world that desperately needs their witness. It is about making Adventist education in the Northeastern Conference a beacon of excellence, relevance, and hope. Rooted in Christ is our spiritual center—our unwavering connection to Christ as the source of life, strength, and guidance firmly grounded in His Word, anchored in prayer, and nurtured by His Spirit. It signifies stability, resilience, and growth that endures

As our excellence flows from being firmly rooted in Christ, our efforts bear fruit in the form of excellence in character, leadership, academics, ministry, and service-----which are sustainable, purposeful, and kingdom-focused.\

Conclusion

The story of the last four years is one of CHANGE, STABILITY, and VISION. Beginning with transitions in leadership, the NEC Office of Education navigated uncertainty with resilience. The period of adjustment gave way to renewed stability, marked by increases in enrollment, financial health, and governance strength. Now, looking to the future, the department embraces a bold vision that is both Christ-centered and forward-looking.

As we enter the next quadrennium, we affirm our commitment to the call of Adventist education. We believe that with God’s guidance, the Northeastern Conference Office of Education will continue to “Educate for Time and Eternity”— within schools that are rooted in Jesus, reaching for success, and preparing young people for service in this world and the world to come.

“To God be the glory—great things He has done, great things He is doing, and great things He will yet do.”

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