Cornerstone Lutheran School News
Cornerstone Lutheran School is the newly formed school entity jointly shared and supported by Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Peace Lutheran Church, and Eagle Lake Lutheran Church. Through this partnership, the three congregations are united in their commitment to provide Christ-centered education, shared governance, and long-term sustainability for the school. NewCo represents a collaborative ministry built on a shared mission, while working together to serve students and families now and into the future.
You may see older communications labeled with “NewCo” (short for New Company) below, which was our placeholder name until the new name of the school was announced.
We’re excited to share our new school name!
We give thanks to God and appreciation for the thoughtful input from many as we are pleased to share that our new joint school name will be Cornerstone Lutheran School.
The name reflects a clear and meaningful commitment to Christ-centered education. The term Cornerstone points directly to Jesus Christ as the firm and enduring foundation of the Church and of all Christian instruction, as affirmed in Ephesians 2:20—“You have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the Cornerstone.” This biblical imagery aligns strongly with the school’s commitment to both academic excellence and assisting parents in the Christian training of their children, to live a life of faith here on earth and forever after in Heaven.
Cornerstone conveys stability, strength, reliability, and permanence—values that should reassure current families and will appeal to prospective families seeking an education grounded in truth, integrity, and enduring Lutheran doctrine. It communicates that the school is built upon a foundation that will not shift with time or circumstance.
It allows all three supporting congregations to affirm together that Christ is the cornerstone and foundation for all that the school does. It honors the heritage of the school while establishing a shared spiritual, intellectual, and physical center where children can grow together in faith, integrity, and academic excellence.
Cornerstone Lutheran School was the prominent choice in the ranking survey sent to the Executive Council, Board of Directors, Faculty, and Pastors. The name was provided multiple times after soliciting suggestions from our school and congregations, and was also a name given from Blueprint Schools in one of their final reports, reflecting broad support and shared conviction.
We invite you to join us in prayer as we move forward together — for our students, families, teachers, and church and school leaders — that God would richly bless Cornerstone Lutheran School and to use this ministry to glorify Christ and bring children to saving faith in Him.
In His service,
Board of Directors, Cornerstone Lutheran School
Questions & Answers, Next Steps
What is changing — and what is staying the same?
The school’s name and visual identity will be updated, including a new logo. Much will remain the same—including our core teachings, the dedication of our faculty, and our Charger mascot and school colors.
How will the transition happen?
Branding (logos, website, signage, etc.) will roll out in phases. Some changes will happen right away; others will be updated over the coming months. You may see verbiage like, “Formerly known as Mt. Olive Lutheran School.”
What does this mean for the history of Mount Olive Lutheran School?
The history and faithfulness of Mount Olive Lutheran School remain a vital part of who we are. The new name builds on that legacy while reflecting the school’s shared support and future direction.
Who now supports and oversees the school?
Cornerstone Lutheran School is jointly supported and governed by members of Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Peace Lutheran Church, and Eagle Lake Lutheran Church through a shared school structure.
How can families and congregation members support this transition?
Pray for the school, speak positively about the new name, and help children and others become familiar with Cornerstone Lutheran School as we move forward together.
Who can I contact with questions or concerns?
You are always welcome to contact the Board of Directors with questions. There is a contact form on the “Cornerstone News” page located on the current school website.
Leadership
Executive Council
Mark Smith, Chair - Mt. Olive
Jeff Lemke, Vice Chair - Peace
Dan Holz, Recorder - Peace
Bill Bohning - Mt. Olive
Silas Born - Mt. Olive
Tom Hunter - Eagle Lake
David Reagles - Mt. Olive
Eldon Sting - Peace
Eric Woller - Peace
Board of Directors
Derek Harstad, President - Peace
David Norris, Vice President - Mt. Olive
Greg Vandermause, Secretary - Peace
Steve Beilke, Treasurer - Mt. Olive
Greg Costello - Mt. Olive
Lucas Fricke - Peace
Dan Gerdes - Peace
Jake Krier - Mt. Olive
Josh Ringen - Eagle Lake
Have a Question?
If you have a question for the Executive Council or the Board of Directors, please send it to us, and we’ll try to answer it to the best of our ability.