A regional association serving Christian schools across four states will begin operating under Dordt University’s Center for the Advancement of Christian Education as part of a new partnership announced by the university.
Heartland Christian Schools is a regional network through which member schools collaborate on professional learning, leadership development and other shared programs. Formerly known as District 6, Heartland is part of Christian Schools International and serves schools in Northwest Iowa, southwest Minnesota, eastern South Dakota and Nebraska.
Under the new arrangement, Dordt’s Center for the Advancement of Christian Education, or CACE, will provide administrative leadership and support for Heartland. Josh Bowar and Lindsay Laurich will serve as the organization’s co-directors.
Heartland will retain its name, mission and regional network throughout the transition, which is expected to be completed by November 2026.
Leadership Change Prompts Discussion About Future
The transition follows the resignation of Heartland Coordinator Nicki Kuiper. According to Dordt, Kuiper stepped down after prayer and consideration to focus on her health and recovery.
Heartland’s executive board expressed its gratitude for Kuiper’s years of leadership and her work supporting Christian educators throughout the region.
Following Kuiper’s decision, the board considered how to provide continuity for member schools while maintaining Heartland’s identity and existing programs. Those conversations led to the partnership with CACE.
“This transition is a natural extension of CACE’s mission to develop school leaders, promote innovative practices, and strengthen networks of faith-based schools,” CACE Director Dr. Tim Van Soelen said. “Heartland has faithfully served Christian schools across the Midwest for many years. Rather than changing Heartland’s identity, this partnership allows its mission to continue and grow by connecting member schools to the broader resources of CACE and Dordt University.”
Existing Programs Will Continue
Heartland plans to continue its annual convention, Future Leader Cohort, board workshops, administrator team meetings and other professional learning opportunities.
The new structure is also expected to give Heartland’s member schools greater access to CACE’s leadership development programs, research, educational resources and professional learning opportunities. Heartland intends to seek feedback from its member schools as the administrative transition moves forward.
“This is an advancement of Heartland’s mission, not a merger that diminishes its identity,” Van Soelen said. “By preserving what makes Heartland unique while expanding access to CACE’s professional development initiatives, research, leadership resources, and Dordt University’s educational expertise, we believe we can accomplish more together than either organization could accomplish alone.”
Heartland’s office is already located on Dordt University’s campus in Sioux Center. The organization says the partnership will allow it to maintain its regional focus while strengthening collaboration among Christian educators across the Midwest.
